Physical gaming world open to realm of possibilities

Australia-based gaming company Realm has launched a Kickstarter bid to bring the physical world into computer games.

Seeking $160,000, the company is looking to commercialise technology developed in response to a $4m research project spearheaded by the UK Government into developing health intervention solutions for people living sedentary lifestyles.

In response, the Realm system was developed at Teeside University. Essentially a belt with two handles connected to it and a camera observing the player, the system can detect movements a player makes along with the speed and strength put into each movement, while also being able to add resistance. Combined with action or sports games, the system both acts as a controller and a workout for the player.

The company licensed the technology from Teeside University, and has also employed advisors from the institution to help with Realm’s development. It has subsequently made the technology open-source, and is focusing on developing software for the kit. Realm’s Kickstarter target is looking to cover the costs of sending out development kits.

Realm are purposely integrating the system with virtual reality headset Oculus Rift, which also launched through a Kickstarter campaign before being acquired by social media platform Facebook for $2bn last year.

Matt Long, co-founder at Realm, said: “Integrating the Realm System with Oculus Rift means you can now see your body in a virtual reality world and feel the resistance as you swing a sword, open a door, throw a punch and so on. You can interact with the environment in a physical way, just like the real world.”