The Future Of Gaming With Smart Contact Lenses

23 Aug 2024

Medium

The way we interact with technology has undergone a dramatic transformation since the introduction of personal computers, largely thanks to gaming. Although computers were initially designed for engineering and scientific purposes, once they received widespread adoption, gaming quickly became one of their most common applications. Playing video games has persistently pushed the boundaries of technology and creativity, driving the advancement of personal computers. Now, with the development of emerging computing devices like smart contact lenses, we stand on the brink of a new era in gaming.

We will intentionally bypass a discussion on the changes these advancements could bring to first-person games. This genre has already been thoroughly explored and enhanced with the evolution of virtual reality technology. However, smart contact lenses aim to elevate gaming experiences to a whole new level, making them not just tolerable but genuinely enjoyable, without the need for cumbersome equipment strapped to your face. Replacing the VR helmet with smart lenses could add a fresh appeal to these immersive games. While they may not alter the nature of gameplay, they could potentially draw in a significant number of new users, much like mobile phone games have attracted a wider audience compared to handheld gaming consoles.

The truly novel experience that smart lenses can enable is a game that unfolds within your real-world surroundings. The possibilities are limitless — we can already see the foundational blocks of these new game formats in various AR apps available for mobile phones. However, these are merely a sneak preview of what’s yet to come.

One day, you might find yourself leading a brave group of adventurers, defending a small bastion situated on your coffee table against hordes of orcs marching across the floor and transforming your carpet into a mystical lake. On another day, you could navigate through a thrilling race track winding through your own apartment, dodging obstacles and competing against virtual opponents. Or, perhaps, you and a friend could reenact a famous historical battle, each adopting a different side and strategizing to outmaneuver the other. The boundaries between reality and virtuality blur as you construct a railway network in your own backyard or engage in an exciting football match right on your desk. The best part? These games can be played against both artificial intelligence and human opponents, with each player sharing the same reality yet experiencing it from unique perspectives.

Smart lenses hold the key to seamlessly merging virtual and real worlds. They combine the tactile and social elements of traditional board games with the limitless possibilities and immersive nature of computer games. Gone are the days when you had to choose between physical board games and digital experiences. With smart lenses, you can enjoy the best of both worlds, creating a dynamic and interactive gaming experience that blends the tangibility and humanity of traditional games with the realism and boundless creativity of computer-generated worlds.

It’s crucial to acknowledge the immense talent and creativity within the game development industry. With the introduction of extended computing capabilities in gaming, we can only begin to imagine the multitude of innovative applications that will emerge. The fusion of extended computing devices with gaming introduces a whole new realm of possibilities, paving the way for groundbreaking experiences that are currently beyond our imaginations.

In conclusion, the integration of smart lenses and extended computing devices into gaming is poised to revolutionize the industry once more. By bridging the gap between the virtual and real worlds, these technologies will usher in a new era of captivating and immersive gaming experiences. The future holds tremendous potential for gaming, and we eagerly anticipate the creative applications that will emerge as technology continues to evolve. Let’s embrace this exciting journey and unlock the limitless possibilities that lie ahead in the world of gaming.