Brain/Computer Merge

Posted on March 6th, 2008

USA Today ran a short story on the integration of brain signals into video games. The featured company, Emotiv Systems, is about to start selling a neuro-headset that will be able to sense and transmit your brain signals into computerized video games. Video games will then integrate those signals into the play. While I don’t have the luxury of time to play much video game, I am fascinated by what this technology could mean to our virtual experiences. Take the example of a virtual world like Second Life (SL). While its 3D environment offers users a much more realistic experience, the ability of users to express, experience, and exchange emotions are still limited. If we were to add a neuro-headset, however, the opportunity for emotional exchange would become much greater. Musicians giving live in-world concerts will be able to feel the vibe of the crowd, and SL couples will be able to feel each other’s rush when they “kiss”. Does that mean a second life will be more addictive because it will be so real? Or does it mean that it will be less possible to separate a real self from a second-life avatar?