Canadian kids have mixed opinions on GameScent technology
When you hear about technology that allows you to smell what’s happening in a video game, what kinds of smells come to mind?
The toasty scent of a fresh tart that you’re baking? Or the foul odour of a zombie chasing after you?
In February, a company called GameScent released a device that allows you to smell your surroundings while gaming.
The company told CBC Kids News it plans to release a new batch of scents in September.
CBC Kids News wasn’t able to test the device, but reviews of the product have been mixed.
Some users have complained that the scents don’t always match the video game they’re playing.
Others said the device gave them an unexpectedly immersive experience.
We asked kids in Toronto, Ontario, if they would play a video game that lets them smell their surroundings.
Some kids were excited by the idea of pleasant scents, while others made faces as they imagined the gross smells they might encounter.
Hear what Canadian kids think about scents in video games, then keep reading to learn more. ⬇️⬇️⬇️
How does the technology work?
The GameScent device uses artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze audio cues in the game and emit scents that match the gameplay.
This is not the first attempt to make it possible to smell the world of video games.
In 2011, a company called Scent Sciences released a device that you could plug into your computer or gaming console, which emitted a variety of odours using an algorithm.
And in 2016, Ubisoft launched a South Park game with a virtual reality (VR) mask system that pumped out the smell of farts.
The mask was featured at gaming conventions but it wasn’t sold to the public.
Which smells are available?
So far, GameScent comes with six scents: gunfire, racing cars, explosions, forest, storm and neutralizer — a scent that is meant to eliminate other smells.
Nate Parker, vice-president of marketing and product development at GameScent, told CBC Kids News via email that the next batch of scents coming out next month will include restaurant, fresh-cut grass, ocean, zombie, jungle, pizza and fire.
The device is not yet available in Canada, but Parker said the company is working on it.
In the meantime, it’s available in the United States, but it’ll cost you about $190.
Want to hear from more Canadian kids and teens? Check out these streeter videos:
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