Tech Shout!

Emotiv Systems, a company that specializes in human computer interaction has just announced the launch of its Emotive Development Kit. Specifically targeted at the gaming industry, this technology will enable game developers to create games that respond to the player’s emotions.

Emotiv’s technology surely represent a scientific breakthrough, as it is the only brain-computer interface solution that is able to detect and process both human conscious thoughts as well as non-conscious emotions. It is even able to represent brain activity patterns that are unique to a particular individual.

For the first time ever, computers will be able to differentiate between thoughts of pushing and object or lifting it; detect a user’s smile or win; and respond to emotions like calmness and excitement.

According to Nam Do, CEO and co-founder at Emotiv Systems, “Brain computer interfaces dramatically change the way players interact with a game and, as such, have a profound effect on the gaming experience. Developers are looking to this technology to take their games to another level, to differentiate their products and to retain their fans.”

Unlike earlier brain-computer interfaces, which only had the ability to detect a limited number of mental ‘states’ such as concentration (by identifying when the user is focusing on the screen), Emotiv’s new technology can process a number of expressions, emotions and gestures.

The Emotive Development Kit is the first product from Emotiv that enables game developers to attach dozens of specific thoughts and emotions to many different actions in their game.

As an example, developers will be able to enable players to move an object in a game, without the use of a keyboard ort joystick, make their character smile when they smile, or require that a player stays calm in order to ensure his or her character remains undiscovered in a stealth game.

Game developers who use the Emotiv Development Kit will thus be able to create a more interactive, immersive, personal experience than what is possible currently.

“The games industry is ripe for evolution in the way players interact with a game. Current interfaces, such as keyboards and controllers, are relatively basic and non-intuitive and are out-of-keeping with the sophistication levels of today’s games and the movement towards more immersive environment,” added Nam Do.