Immersion is that golden goose that video games are constantly trying to catch, and it seems like Sony has a new way to do it. A new patent for a wearable controller recently went public, which the description says will help players to be more immersed than ever in games.
Recent advances in graphics processing and game design have led to a vast range of highly realistic and immersive content that can be accessed by the player. However, the need to use controller pads for input detracts from the immersive experience and requires players to sometimes look away from the video game at the controller to find the correct button.
The patent remarks that in the real world, doing such things when behind the wheel of a vehicle or something similar could have disastrous consequences. While the consequences in a game…aren’t, it can still be immersion-breaking to have to look and see what buttons you’re pressing, though the patent also brings up other uses for game pads.
In addition to video game controls, controller pads are also used for many kinds of electronic input, such as for controlling robotics, surgical devices, remotely controlled vehicles, and drones.
The wearable controller, in the mind of immersion-minded developers, is probably the best way to deal with such a thing, as it’s a more intuitive way of controlling things like guns, weapons, and more that would require something more intuitive than a controller with a trigger, like a glove, as the patent later states.
Such a garment is easily worn by the user and provides an intuitive interface for user control.
Along with various virtual reality control schemes, various other nonstandard control styles, like JoyCon controllers and other motion controls, and the infamous Power Glove, such controls like these aren’t necessarily a new concept. But if you’re looking for more immersion, hopefully Sony’s new patent will be able to give you what you want.
