# Tongue-Controlled Video Games 'Planet Licker' Uses an Unexpected Game Control to Play By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2016-03-17 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/game-control References: [damngeeky](http://www.damngeeky.com/2016/03/17/40240/planet-licker-your-licking-skills-will-be-tested-in-this-surprising-game.html) & [planetlicker](http://planetlicker.com/) Standard video games traditionally use a series of [joysticks and buttons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nothing-gamepad-1) to play, but 'Planet Licker' features an unexpected game control: your tongue. Featuring food-safe controllers with flavors including Matcha Lemondate, Orange Cream, Blue Vanilla, Coffee, Beet and Blueberry, the game is a delicious way to "play" dessert. The game was demonstrated at the Game Developers Conference 2016 in San Francisco. The 'Planet Licker' video game uses a series of [flavored game controls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biohybrid) to navigate around outer space. When a planet is locked onto, players must lick to consume them. The player must also use the precision of their tongue movements to avoid obstacles and make it through the area safely. 'Planet Licker' brings a new dimension to the [video game market](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mentos-fizzookas-rocket), which helps to expand the current offerings of augmented reality and virtual reality. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.2/10 - Popularity: 9% | Activity: 19% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/games) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Tongue-controlled Games:** Innovative video games that use the tongue as a control interface provide opportunities for companies to create new gaming experiences. - **Flavored Gaming Controls:** Flavored game controllers can provide an added sensory experience for players which opens up opportunities for companies to create new gaming experiences. - **Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality Expansion:** The advent of games like 'Planet Licker' adds to the current offerings of augmented and virtual reality, providing innovations and opportunities for companies in those fields. ### Where This Applies - **Gaming:** Innovative gaming experiences like 'Planet Licker' open up new opportunities for unique gaming technologies and the expansion of the gaming market. - **Food Industry:** The use of food-safe and flavored controllers in 'Planet Licker' creates opportunities for companies in the food industry to expand their market and explore new product offerings. - **Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality:** 'Planet Licker' is a new gaming experience that opens up opportunities for companies in virtual and augmented reality to create new products and technologies for the market. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Wireless Tongue-Operated Trackpads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wireless-tongueoperated-trackpad.md) - [Tongue-Controlled Digital Interfaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/digital-interfaces.md) - [Multisensory Television Screens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/taste-the-tv.md) - [Guided Challenge Party Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/human-controller.md) - [Facial Movement Game Controllers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gameface.md) - [Recreated Video Game Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/playstation-to-plate.md) - [Sensory Ultra-Sour Candies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/slime-licker-products.md) - [Sour Gaming-Themed Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/final-boss-sour.md) - [Handheld Motion-Control Consoles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/udu-console.md)