Force Feedback Helmet Delivers 'Blows to the Head'
Posted 12/15/08 at 03:05:43 PM by Paul Lilly
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Gaming with just a mouse and keyboard might soon be considered old school if all the new tactile feedback technologies gain traction. There already exists several virtual reality devices (see Norman Chan's Killing Box column in the Holiday 2008 issue of PC Gamer), and coming soon, VR technology will start knocking around your noggin.
TN Games, the same company responsible for the 3D Space Gaming Vest, announced it is working on a force feedback helmet. The company says the HTX helmet is designed to work in conjunction with its gaming vest and will deliver "blows to the head when are you are fired upon." Near-misses will also be registered, letting you "feel bullets whizzing by your helmet."
Rather than use haptic feedback, TN Games' approach to force feedback involves a small air compressor system capable of delivering up to five pounds of force per actuator. As TN Games puts it, five pounds of force feels similar to dropping a roll of pennies on your stomach from six inches above. The question is whether or not blows to the head can be considered safe, and TN Games says it is, claiming the helmet will pose no physical danger so long as it's used according to the instructions.
No pricing information information is yet available, though TN Games says you can expect the helmet sometime in 2009.
Sure
Submitted by neo1piv14 on Tue, 12/30/2008 - 1:56pm
I bet this makes people get good at video games the same way getting shot in paintball makes you get better at paintball. Noone wants to get knocked around in the head, so I can imagine it'd make for a more intense game curve. I have a feeling it makes people get good at not getting shot pretty quick.
Submitted by zodi on Wed, 12/17/2008 - 9:34pm
Hmm 4 hours a gaming X 365 days a year.
1460 hours of having my head pummeled by Dark Helmets spun off helmet.
Boxers do hit with more force, but I can't imagine this is good for your brain. I use alcohol to kill the week brain cells I don't need a device to go after the slightly less weak cells too!
Yeah right
Submitted by lunchbox73 on Tue, 12/16/2008 - 6:04am
I already get enough crap from my wife when I play games. If she walked into the room and saw me wearing this I'd never get laid again.
Ditto
Submitted by Talcum X on Tue, 12/16/2008 - 10:09am
I get grief over the 3-6 hours a week I play (only on weekends) down from the 20 or so I used to play before the 'fat' ring got put on my finger.
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I'd hate to see what
Submitted by Keith E. Whisman on Mon, 12/15/2008 - 9:19pm
I'd hate to see what forcefeedback devices they have for porn games.
BTW I don't know about you but I'm happy with the whole cam shake deal in the game. I've really never gotten too excited about forcefeedback tech and this is one of the reasons why.
I guess this is cheaper than getting married though. You have to get a devorce and pray that you get custody of the kids to stop getting hit in the head. With this thing to stop getting hit in the head all you have to do is take the helmet off.
As long as the pressure could be set low...
Submitted by Devo85x on Mon, 12/15/2008 - 5:53pm
As long as the pressure could be set lower than the maximum then I dont see the problem... and even if you couldnt... put a shirt or something between the helmet and your head... ether way you could get it to feel more like a tap... (with barely feeling anything if you almost get shot)... and its not like you cant take it off if it hurts or gets anoying...
Yeah, the thought of
Submitted by I Jedi on Mon, 12/15/2008 - 3:39pm
Yeah, the thought of litterally torturing myself through a video game because I manaed to get shot is just plain out crazy. I'll stick to Emotiv's headset when it comes out. Thanks.
Submitted by Mongoitus on Tue, 12/16/2008 - 9:55am
Just give me $20, I'll come over to your house and knock you upside the head with a rubber mallet.
In the words of Rick Moranis: "You went over my HELMET!!??"
Submitted by DreadedOne509 on Mon, 12/15/2008 - 1:24pm
I'd be tempted to get a couple of these for my kids along with Band of Brothers...
"Thought's of Dread"
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