What could the future of gaming look like?
This question, in my opinion, could be explained with a two word answer: virtual reality. Last week we explored virtual reality as it has existed throughout time, from the Virtual Boy in 1995 to, more recently (but admittedly not quite current), the assorted VR advancements that took place in 2014. This week’s post will be less based on facts, but more based on dreams. What would gaming look like at its finest? What is the pinnacle of gaming that we strive to reach?
The Simulation
When saying that virtual reality could represent the future of gaming, that is meant pretty literally. As mentioned in last week’s (sort of) fun fact, the popular anime, Sword Art Online could give insight as to what the future of gaming will look like. To sum up what is important to our point from the show: the first season takes place within a virtual MMO (massively multiplayer online (game)) known as Sword Art Online. In order to participate, players put on what are essentially high-tech gaming headsets that intercept brain signals that would otherwise move the body before they can do so, and transmit this to the players in-game character, even seemingly feeding what the character sees directly into the player’s brain, allowing them to essentially live as their in-game character (not sure how to sight part works…or any of it, for that matter; just making guesses, here).
The Danger
As within SAO (Sword Art Online), there are dangers to this type of gaming, which are difficult to pinpoint without knowing exactly how it works, but exist nevertheless. Assuming it works as mentioned, with brain signals being intercepted, there is one danger: how do you take off the headset? As a way to address this, the headset could possibly be turned off from inside the game, using a logout feature that would cause the headset to stop intercepting these signals. Could it be dangerous to suddenly stop intercepting, or even suddenly start intercepting brain signals? Well, I’m no doctor, but I’m going to answer with a hearty probably.
The Benefits
Once again, not a doctor, but, there could be potential benefits to this type of virtual reality (assuming it’s as advanced as the show). These could include such things as: military training with firearms or simulating operations, drivers education or practicing driving for new drivers without any real danger, pilot training, doctor training, and more. Assuming we can achieve that level of advancement, VR could take the danger out of many situations and help people to learn.
The Dream
For anybody that likes video games and has seen SAO, the type of VR shown within it would be a dream-come-true. Especially for those who use video games as a way to de-stress and escape reality, this would be a great invention. As mentioned above, the benefits go beyond simply playing games, as professionals could test within VR, practice could be done, and more. Ultimately, we are very far from reaching anything like the VR within SAO, but, reaching this technology in some capacity could have huge benefits for humanity as a whole, and, as this blog is about, it could bring a great time to gamers across the world.
Fun Fact: This may not be a fun fact, but, this is blog post #10, and is the last scheduled post for the planned future. For those who have been reading these, whether it was all of them, a few of them, or just this one, thank you for the support. If anybody would like this to continue, feel free to reach out and message me on Instagram @fredpayne24 and let me know. I’ve enjoyed writing these and may continue if there is any demand, but for now, thanks again for the support!
Horizon image from: Horizon Strategies
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