Neurogaming is a new way to play video games that involves using brain waves to activate commands in the game. This new technique is the result of the latest advances in video games and neuroscience.
Some experts are convinced that the next technological revolution of video games will be made thanks to neurology, however, neuroscience can also benefit from digital entertainment, as it can be used to diagnose and treat certain psychological disorders.
- Currently there are several video games that apply neurogaming for use in the mental health sector.
- Although it is still an embryonic technology.
- In any case this advancement has generated many expectations.
- Both in the field of electronic entertainment and in neurosciences.
Neurogaming is mainly based on DIRECT Neural Interface (IND) technology, which captures brain waves using a set of incredibly sensitive voltmeters placed in the skull, which will be processed and interpreted by a computer, that is, it allows a person to interact with a computer program through thought.
When we think or imagine something, the brain emits certain brain waves that can be measured and transmitted to a computer program, for example, depending on the computer, it is possible to differentiate a person’s concentration level, this data is processed and can be used to generate a movement or action in a video game.
The technology that makes neurogaming a reality takes into account that all brains are different, so the first thing this technology does is learn how each person’s brain works, so the computer can interpret brain waves more reliably. allows adaptation to each particular case.
The direct neural interface applied to neurogaming allows a person to play without the need for physical controls. The player only needs to use the headset and look at the image to execute certain commands in the game.
Although the technology that makes neurogaming possible is quite accessible, it is still being studied, in fact, this technology has very general applications that are not intended to be applied exclusively to video games, for many researchers it is only a matter of time it develops more specific technology for video games.
On the other hand, the technology that exists today can only read a very limited number of mental patterns, in addition, the computers and machines that capture and interpret brain waves still have a very slow response capacity, making doing it a chore. complex and really fun experience, neurogame technology needs to increase its speed and the number of commands it can read.
People who develop this technology believe that in the not too distant future, neurogaming will use not only a wide variety of brain waves, but also physiological elements such as heart rate, facial expressions, pupil movements, among others.
According to researcher Matias Palva of the Center for Neurosciences in Viikki, Finland, neurogaming can make three important contributions to neuroscience and psychology:
An already developed video game that applies neurogames is Throw Trucks with your Mind. This game is used to treat attention deficit disorder, which invites players to reduce or accelerate their brain waves to control a truck in the air.
Another game is NeuroRacer, whose objective is to measure and repair the neuronal deterioration associated with aging, an extremely interesting bet.