Biofeedback in Gaming

How can emergent biofeedback sensor technologies like heart rate monitors, be integrated into videogames and how can this enhance a gaming experience?

The videogames industry has broadened its consumer base in recent years. The success of products like Nintendo Wii have challenged what games are and what they might be, in a way that we have not seen since the Playstation revolution of the 90’s.

So whilst gesture recognition is the latest trend, what might the next one be? Key industry figures believe that biofeedback will represent the next leap.

However, how technologies are used is more important than the technologies themselves. Therefore Remode believe the next big questions are not “can biofeedback be integrated into gaming?” but “why” and “how” might this be done?

For their Media Sandbox commission, Remode created Sky Cycle, a proof-of-concept demo that allowed players to gain power-ups and other bonuses, as their heart rate increased through exercise or excitement, ultimately enhancing their experience of play.

Watch the project video on DShed