Technology is continually changing the landscape in many sectors – and gaming is no exception. Our Product Manager, Mark Perkins explores how gaming machines can keep evolving for players in generations to come.
Technology is continually changing the landscape in many sectors – and gaming is no exception. Our Product Manager, Mark Perkins explores how gaming machines can keep evolving for players in generations to come.
In just a few short years, we have seen technology shift gaming machines from mechanical spin reels to video touch screens. As technology in consumers’ lives keeps moving with better graphics on other gaming modes, the challenge for the gaming sector is how to keep content and user experience fresh – and competitive against other leisure activities.
There are several exciting technology developments that could be used effectively in gaming machines to enhance user experience over the coming years. The first is ultrasound. Organisations such as Ultrahaptics are creating technology that manipulates ultrasound from a set of ultrasonic transducers to give control of virtual buttons, sliders and dials. Algorithms are used to control projection and the nature of desired sensation for consumers – where and when they are needed. This means tactile sensations can be created in free space – gamers could play on almost any surface or allow the provision of button decks with a sense of touching a physical button. Any type of service could be created. For example, a wheel for starting a video roulette machine and so on.
Developments in projected capacitance could see air gestures being used above the surface of a screen. Companies such as Microchip are patenting technology that enables user gesture detection and motion tracking. This would allow game playing with motions as simple as a wave of a hand. With these types of technologies it is easy to envisage swiping gestures being used in video card games.
A few years ago this type of technology would have seemed out of reach of most but is now a reality. Heber has much experience in enabling the use of new technologies and ensuring that pragmatic solutions to accessing technology can be delivered for our clients. Existing products such as the XTouch can be integrated with new technologies to support new methods of interacting with players in gaming machines.
If you would like to know more about how Heber can help your organisation maximise the impact of emerging technology for your gaming solutions, please contact mark.perkins@heber.co.uk