Have you ever wondered what the worlds of your favorite games smell like? Even if they haven't yet, a company called GameScent is about to give you the answer with its eponymous device. If GameScent sounds like his Smell-O-Vision of video games, that's because it utilizes only the latest technology.
GameScent leverages AI to automatically emit scents based on gameplay. The machine's adapter captures audio in real time, which is processed by AI to emit specific scents with on-screen actions. These aromas are meant to evoke the scent of battle, the scent of speeding cars, the scent of the forest, and even fresh rain. GameScent is compatible with many devices, including consoles like PS5 and Xbox Series X, as well as the best gaming PCs.
I mentioned GameScent firsthand at a recent press event and found it interesting, to say the least. This product may smell like a gimmick (just kidding), but the idea behind it makes sense. After all, smell is more likely to stick in your long-term memory than any other sense. In theory, this could make the game even more immersive. On the other hand, random scents emitted while playing a game can be distracting.
Is GameScent the future of gaming or another Smell-O-Vision in development? Here's how this device works and what I thought about it.
GameScent: How it works
Let's take a closer look at how GameScent actually works.
GameScent uses interchangeable cartridges that accommodate different scents. This includes gunfire, explosions, races, storms, and forests. There is also a cartridge called “Clean Air” that instantly neutralizes the odor in the room. According to the company, the fragrance is intended to be a “continuing sensory adventure.” Future scents include Blood, Ocean, Sports Arena, and Fresh Cut Grass. Yes, I said blood.
Hardware-wise, the medium-sized box contains the aforementioned cartridge and a small adapter with an HDMI port and 3.5mm headphone jack for connecting to gaming devices. An internet connection is required to use GameScent, as the adapter uses Wi-Fi to connect to the cloud-based AI. The box that houses the cartridges connects and powers via USB-C. For my demo, I connected it to a portable USB-C power bank. Feel free to use any 5W charger you have lying around.
GameScent: Working
A GameScent spokesperson demoed the device by playing Far Cry 6 during the event. This was a wise choice, as the game's open-world environment is conducive to the scents the machines can emit. In case you're wondering, the rep played it on his Xbox Series S, which is compatible with any game on his device.
I'm no scent expert, but to my untrained nose, the forest scent emitted during Far Cry 6 reminded me of nature's earthy scents.
As the personnel made their way through the forest, associated scents were released. I'm not a scent expert, but to my untrained nose, the forest scent evoked a natural earthy scent. The smell itself wasn't strong, but it was quite noticeable.
It got even more interesting during the battle. The gunshots gave off a sharp aroma reminiscent of the smell of gunpowder. I haven't smelled gunshots since I was a kid, so I'll take GameScent's word that this is what gunshots smell like. The same goes for Explosion, which I liken to feeling like being in a smoky room. I can't say that the latter actually smelled like smoke, but it evoked that olfactory sense.
After the session, GameScent personnel activated a “Clean Air” scent to neutralize any residual odors. It helped dull the scent, but it didn't completely cancel it out. But to be fair, GameScent representatives were demoing the device all day in a small hotel room. At worst, it can leave a strange (but harmless) perfume smell in your game room after a long session.
In case you're wondering, these scents don't cancel each other out. So if you're in an intense battle with gunfire and explosions, you'll recognize both scents. He noticed a 1-2 second delay between the action on the screen and the release of the scent. That's because the device needs to send a signal to the cloud so it can produce the correct scent. Other than that, I think the simultaneous and sequential scent treatments worked well.
GameScent: Does it pass the smell test?
Part of me wants to dismiss GameScent as a 3D-like gimmick, but I can't help but respect the intent behind this device. With graphics and performance seemingly hitting a plateau and VR gaming still trying to establish itself, why not leverage scent to make your games more immersive? Again, this idea is far-fetched (and reminds me of Smell-O-Vision), but I totally get it.
Would I buy GameScent for myself? Probably not, but that's not to say future iterations might not appeal to me. It will be interesting to see if this quirky device is widely accepted by gamers or ignored for being too weird. Only time will tell, but for now the GameScent is one of the most interesting gaming devices I've tested in years.
GameScent is available now for $179 below. game stop, best buy and walmart. As of this writing, it can be purchased for $149 at: Amazon.If you're in Boston pax east (March 21-24), be sure to visit GameScent's booth to see if it passes the smell test.
