Since the very earliest home console video game systems were brought to market, it’s been the dream of manufacturers and consumers alike to tap into the possibilities which virtual reality might bring. Of course, we’ve had to wait a while for the graphics technology to catch up with our imaginations so that we actually have something to work with, but it would seem that truly immersive gaming is just around the corner.
The top contender in this area is the Oculus Rift, a project which was largely started via Kickstarter but has since grown into something much larger and more dynamic. In fact, it’s been said that once the Oculus Rift is made available for purchase (and affordably, if the team has its way), that it will likely completely revolutionize the entire video gaming industry.
According to information gleaned from the patent filed, there are two main ways in which the unit will provide an enhanced experience, aside from being able to simulate being plunged into a virtual world, of course. First off, the Oculus Rift will incorporate “obstacle avoidance”, which means that it’s very possible that objects in the real world will be represented somehow inside of your display. In this way, you’ll be able to avoid nasty accidents or spills, which could mean damaged electronics or even worse, body parts. Secondly, the device will also scan and measure your brainwaves and other biometrics. In other words, data collected concerning your body temperature or pulse might be integrated into the gameplay somehow.
But the fun doesn’t end there. Apparently, there will even be the capability to measure things like cerebral blood flow, brainwaves as well as more conventional items such as blinking and pupil movement. Needless to say, the more inventive game developers could truly have a blast with this emergent technology, perhaps directly combining it into the concept(s) of various titles. 
Simply put, if the capabilities of the Oculus Rift are effectively utilized, it could very quickly revolutionize video gaming and provide for an exciting new direction for realistic interactive entertainment. Additionally, as some others have also pointed out, because the OR is actually reading your brainwaves in most instances, this opens the door to some truly incredible possibilities – like simulated telekinesis! Of course this may only be the tip of the iceberg, who knows what sorts of crazy things this new technology will add to the mix…
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