As video games and movies become more immersive, it may begin to become apparent what sensations are missing from the experience. Is there any point in Grand Tourism Do you wish you could smell burning rubber and engine exhaust? Would it be an experience to play beer pong in horizon worlds Wouldn't it be complete unless you could taste the hops?
In this episode of The Vergecast, the latest in our miniseries on the five senses of video games, we address the topics of smell and taste in video games, and whether either of them could actually enhance players' virtual experience. In other words: Smellovision is back for a new generation of media.
First, we test a product (amazon.com/Gamescent-Automatically-Explosions-Compatible-Platforms/dp/B0CNMXSN2K?tag=theverge02-20″>actually available to buy today) He called the game scent, an ai-powered aroma machine that syncs with your gaming and movie-watching experience. GameScent works by listening to the sound design of the content you're playing or watching and deploying GameScent-approved fragrances that accompany those sounds. We tested GameScent with games like Mario Kart and animal crossing to see if this really hints at a gaming future full of scents.
On the flavor side, we talk about I have finished Ranasinghe, an assistant professor at the University of Maine who works on taste sensations and taste simulation in virtual reality experiences. Ranasinghe explains his research on how to send electrical pulses to the tongue to manipulate different taste sensations, such as salty, sweet, sour and bitter. He also talks about how his research led to experimental devices like a “virtual cocktail”, which would allow you to send selected tasting and drinking experiences through digital signals.
If you want to know more about the world of smell and taste of digital content, here are some links to get you started:
