In the world of video games,
developers and console makers are adding in the use of motion controls to their
hardware and video games. Nintendo kick started this craze with the
introduction of the Wii system. Soon after, both Sony and Microsoft release their
own version of motion based controllers. Microsoft even took it a step further
and got rid of all physical controllers and developed the Kinetic, a camera
based motion controller.
Now while these types of new
motion controls are adopted by gamers, one company has taken it a step farther.
Oculus VR has developed a self-contained virtual reality display called the
Rift. The Rift is a wearable headset that allows players to enter the world of
the video game and experience it in a whole new light. It works by connecting
in the headset into a console or PC, displaying the game on the units screen.
Players can then move their head around which will then move the field of view
in the game to correspond to the head movement.
Since its announcement, video
game developers have stepped up and have updated some of their games in order
to be played on the Rift. One such company to update their games is Valve,
which was their first to add Rift support to its games. This has also led to
some indirect marketing for the Rift as these companies are beginning to announce
their support of the Rift. Along with that, online videos have been going
around showcasing the Rift developer kits with players actively using them.
I for one can not wait to get my
hands on the Rift as I feel that it is the next step in video game development.
Yes, virtual reality has been done before, but one would have to pay a fee, and
sit in a chair with a giant headset strapped to your face. The Rift is mobile,
light weight and will be able to play almost any game (as long as it is
supported). Now imagine the game play experience of being inside the games
world and having all the sounds and music recorded with a binaural microphone.
Those two together would usher in a whole new video game experience.
Oculus has got the right idea
about the Rift, and I can only imagine what new games are being developed
behind the scenes. Count me in on purchasing the Rift on day one.
Be sure to check out the videos below.
Be sure to check out the videos below.
The Oculus Rift
Check out an example of binaural recordings. Make sure to use headphones and close your eyes while you listen.
This was an excellent post about the future of video game peripherals. So many articles only focus on the upcoming games, and the actual console. I liked how you outlined the history of how games are interacted with before discussing its future. The videos you included really helped to further explain what exactly the rift is. The links to Oculars website, and binaural technology were informative as well.
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