Introduction: The Evolution of Immersive Gaming
I've always been a gamer since I was a wee lad. Even playing an emulator of Super Mario World in the late 90's on a person's computer. As I got older I realized that there was this world of technology being developed to make gaming more interactive.
It wasn't just the Wii, but also things like VR or motion controllers. The latter I got obsessed with, and tried my best to find the most compatible controller.
Immersion isn't just also the physical world, but how the game itself brings you into it. The combination of the two is the pinnacle of immersive gaming.
Part I: Defining Immersive Gaming
As I mentioned it is the bridge between what your mind experiences in the real world. From the air around you, to the vibrations in the controller, and more.
As well as, the experiences your mind feels when you put yourself in the character's shoes. See that zombie chasing your character? That zombie isn't chasing him or her, but rather YOU in the form of the avatar on screen.
How games balance that, and how you might set up your space will impact your immersion.
Part II: Key Technological Innovations in Immersive Gaming
I don't just see the technology that is out there in the front and center to be the best. There is tech that people don't even know about, or at least don't THINK about being for gaming.
For example Philips Hue, that brand of RGB lights started out as a strange peripheral for computer desktops. Where you had ambient lights on top of speakers, fans that blew on your face, and a rumble motor in the keyboard armrest.
This one product sparked a deep obsession into ambient lighting. From the Razer Ariana:
To the Dreamscreen which was the first smart tv backlights before Philips and other brands followed suit.
Virtual Reality (VR) - Augmented Reality (AR) - Mixed Reality (MR)
At this point I am grouping these together, as you in general need a headset to make this work.
Now VR replaces your visual reality, while AR/MR merge the game with your real world around you. In either case you get this feeling of depth.
Being able to look around with your actual head, as well as most of the time being able to use your hands physically to some degree. That increases physical immersion greatly.
Game Controllers
I actually bought a couple of these PC game motion controllers, like the Blaze3D wiimote looking thing, to the Asus EEE Stick.
Which honestly if the software didn't suck for the EEE Stick, it would literally be the best computer controller ON THE MARKET. Without a doubt.
With a load of buttons that could be mapped, a fully analog thumbstick, and MULTIPLE motion controls for BOTH sticks. While the right main stick could also be a motion mouse too. The possibilities were endless. The problem came down to software, and you had to use this archaic tool that came with it if you wanted to change modes or map out any keys.
I ended up mapping everything to the keyboard layout, including motions, so that I could use the maximum amount of inputs. That allowed for a seriously amazing feeling when in a game, when it worked of course.
Part III: Advancements in Game Design for Immersion
Just as I mentioned before, it isn't just the physical side of things, but also the virtual as well. How the game gets you engrossed, using puzzles, emotions, and overall vibe. That will pull you in dramatically.
Some things are small too, such as footprints when you walk in sand or snow. Things that your brain expects, but in older games it may not be a feature. It is weird to call it a feature, but even the massively popular game Skyrim doesn't have footprints in the snow, in a game where the region is mostly snow.
Games like Horizon Zero Dawn are a prime example of the developers thinking of a multitude of immersive aspects, from the hair, character animations, wind in the flora, and more.
When devs take the time to implement those small things, they add up into something phenomenal. When you play a game after without those it feels like whiplash in a way. Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom are great examples as well. Since they both have advanced physics systems for different elements, heat, and sound.
Games are relying more and more on mimicking real world phenomena, and it is only going to get even deeper as developers keep adding more and more.
Part IV: The Role of AI in Immersive Gaming
I almost skipped this part honestly, but then I remembered ChatGPT is a thing. People have been now putting OpenAI's chatbot into games like Skyrim. Meaning you can have a real conversation with an artificial intelligence, that thinks it is a character in the game.
Regardless of the implications for Skynet, and other dangers. This evolution in video game NPCs is going to change the game across the board. Pun intended.
There was even a study where they had about a dozen characters in this town, each with their own backstory and goals. Eventually they would start to branch out. One for example decided it needed to host a party for the townsfolk, and then sought out guests to invite.
There are more examples, but that all happened without human intervention. Sure they gave them backstory, but beyond that it was all isolated. Meaning if you were to put that into a bigger scale, such as a Bethesda game, and then let the AI roam wild. You could have a different experience every time you played. Not could but WOULD.
Conclusion: The Future of Immersive Gaming
I've been on this journey to make my gaming experiences more immersive for as long as I can remember, but at least since 2012 when I was actively digging into the tech side of things.
I didn't even mention all of the various controllers, or cool gadgets I found to make yourself immersed. Comment if you want to see more.
The gaming world is only going to get even more immersive as time goes on, and I cannot wait to sit down on my couch to be fully integrated into the game world.
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