As video games and movies become more immersive, it may begin to become clear what sensations are missing from the experience.Is there any meaning? gran turismo Wouldn't you like to smell burning rubber and engine exhaust?Would you like to try beer pong? horizon world Is it not complete until you feel the taste of hops?
About this episode The Verge Cast, the latest in our miniseries on the five senses in video games, tackles the topic of smell and taste in video games, and considers whether either can actually enhance a gamer's virtual experience. In other words, Smellovision is back for a new generation of media.
First, try a product called GameScent (which is actually available for purchase today). It's an AI-powered scent machine that syncs with your gaming and movie-watching experiences. GameScent works by listening to the sound design of the content you're playing or watching and deploying GameScent-approved fragrances to accompany those sounds. I tried out GameScent with the following games: Mario Kart and animal crossing Let's find out if this really hints at the future of games that incorporate scent.
On the taste side, we talk to Nimesha Ranasinghe, an assistant professor at the University of Maine who works on taste and taste simulation in virtual reality experiences. Ranasinghe describes his research in sending electrical pulses to the tongue to manipulate different taste sensations such as salty, sweet, sour and bitter. He also talks about how his own research led to experimental gadgets like “virtual cocktails.” This will allow us to transmit curated tasting and drinking experiences through digital signals.
If you want to learn more about the world of smelling and tasting digital content, start with the links below.
