force feedback gaming vest lets you feel real impact
filed under: just plain fun | video games
posted: October 20th, 2007 3 comments by technabob
By now, we’re all pretty used to game controllers that can provide rumble feedback, but how’d you like to actually feel the impact of every gunshot and punch when playing your favorite video game?
A device originally created for remote medical investigation is now being transformed into a gaming vest that can provide its wearer with sensory feedback. Physician Mark Ombrellaro designed the TN Games 3rd Space vest, which uses air pressure to produce thumping sensations wherever impact should be felt. The vest has eight zones which can simulate the direction and forces of bullet fire, explosions, and even the sensation of fingers tapping on you (great for scary horror games).
The vest will ship this November for $189, and is bundled with a game called 3rd Space Incursion and a special version of Call of Duty II which showcase the force feedback technology. For a limited time, you can pre-order one for $169.99 from the TN Games online shop. The company is also offering patches for Quake 3, Quake 4 and Doom 3 which enable the vest in those games. An SDK allows developers to easily add support to their games.
The company is working on another version of the vest which will emulate the G-force sensations in racing and flight games in early 2008.
[AFP via MaxConsole]
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air, controller, force feedback, impact, pressure, simulation, vest
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3 comments comment
1. tim | November 8th, 2007 at 1:08 pm
what is it called it looks wiked
2. Zach | December 21st, 2007 at 12:05 am
Bad idea…
3. jj | January 3rd, 2008 at 5:43 pm
never heard of NGAMES, that’s probably why this device is not available for 360, PS3, and WII. Because it was designed by a doctor,what the hell do doctors know about the gaming industry. If the doctor knew about the gaming industry, he would of went to someone like Monster cable, Belkin, or Raptor gaming chairs to get the distribution into the console channels (360 PS3 WII), instead of the PC. On top of that what game developer is going to want to recalibrate their games to cater to the 3Dsourcing software (that is a pain for game designers to do), for the vest. Instead they should of just traced the SRS signals outputting from in game audio output signals and sync them to the vest actuators, or they could just wirelessly sync the vest to the rumble controller. Another downfall, powersupply, big mistake you never want a power supply for something wireless and around your body like this, your going to face a lawsuit for sure. Bottom line, this is too advanced for a no name gaming accessory company, therefore I predict another larger manufacturer will steal this idea without the b.s. 3dsource software and make a killing on it, someone like Monster cable. Well what do you expect from a doctor.
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force feedback gaming vest lets you feel real impact