Remember back in 2009 when Satoru Iwata announced the Wii Vitality Sensor to the world at E3? The device was said to provide information about the body’s “inner world” such as monitoring your heart rate while playing games. Nintendo suggested it would be used for relaxation rather than action games, but the product never saw the light of day. Enter your Delorean, set the date for October 23rd and fast forward to the future.
By this time the Top Shot Fearmaster wireless controller will be packed in with the game Cabela’s Dangerous Hunts 2013 and it will monitor just exactly how tense you are. The plastic shotgun-like accessory packs two heartbeat sensors and an infrared camera to track the vital organs of your prey. I like the fact that this additional layer of realism is trying to bridge the gap between controlling a videogame versus a real experience. The heart rate sensors are built into the controller’s grips and you will receive perks like increased accuracy, more damage, and slow-motion if you are able to keep your cool. The gadget also has a motion sensor that tracks the subtle movements of your hands. If your heart rate is high and hand is unsteady, the screen will get blurry making it more difficult to aim.
Do you think this is the future, adding more life-like experiences to gaming?
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