What next for the world of gaming? The London Science Museum has been displaying the future technologies, as part of its 'Game On' exhibition (21 October 2006 - 25 February 2007), which we may one day find as commonplace in our homes. One of the exhibits on display in 'The Future Playground' was a giant inflatable sphere which was invented for among other things, to bring a whole new gaming experience for the fun-seeking gamers.
The Puffer Sphere is an inflatable ball normally 2 meters in diameter, but is versatile enough to be hung from the ceiling and be expanded to 10 meters for bigger spaces. The sphere originally surfaced from inventor Oliver Collier as an interactive art project while at university. The evolved Puffer Sphere now has the freedom to have any image projected onto it and opens up the opportunity for future games to be screened on it and interacted with. Imagine a boxing simulation in which you can 'punch' your opponent via the sphere â€" and you get an idea of the future of gaming.
According to Mr. Collier, “It's all about making virtual reality projection technology portable, accessible and robust, so it can take a bit of a kicking.â€
The interest generated in the Puffer Sphere resulted in Collier and some friends setting up a company to handle the marketing and enquires about the new ground-breaking invention. Some people have even expressed a desire to be placed inside the sphere as some kind of art project â€" Interesting?
Puffer Sphere
The Future Of Gaming?
Trend Themes
1. Virtual Reality Gaming - The Puffer Sphere paves the way for future virtual reality gaming experiences that allow for simulations on a larger scale and more immersive interaction.
2. Projection Technology - Future iterations of the Puffer Sphere could incorporate advanced projection technology to create even more dynamic and interactive experiences for users.
3. Portable Interactive Installations - The Puffer Sphere could inspire a new trend of portable and versatile interactive installations that can be used for entertainment, education, and more.
Industry Implications
1. Gaming - The gaming industry has an opportunity to capitalize on the growing trend of virtual reality and incorporate innovative new technologies like the Puffer Sphere to create more immersive and engaging experiences for gamers.
2. Projection Technology - The Puffer Sphere has the potential to disrupt the projection technology industry by introducing a new and unique way to display interactive content and create immersive experiences for users.
3. Event Production - The Puffer Sphere could inspire event production companies to incorporate more interactive and immersive installations into their events, providing a unique experience for attendees.