Is a Walking Simulation Device the Next Big Thing in Interactive Gaming?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential for a walking simulation device, such as an omni-directional treadmill, in the context of interactive gaming. Participants explore its feasibility, market interest, and applications beyond gaming, including fitness and professional design environments.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that a walking simulation device could enhance interactivity in gaming, similar to existing products like the Wii, but with the added capability of walking or running.
  • Concerns are raised about the potential high cost of such a device, including the need to address bugs and safety issues, which may limit its affordability for the average consumer.
  • One participant proposes that such a device might be more suitable for commercial settings like arcades or gyms, where users could engage in a more immersive experience while exercising.
  • Another idea is to create a compact version of the device, approximately 2 feet in length, to make it more practical for home use.
  • There is a mention of existing technology, such as the Wii's motion tracking, which some believe could serve a similar purpose without the need for a treadmill.
  • Historical references are made to earlier gaming devices, like the original Nintendo running pad, questioning whether those devices provided a realistic experience of running.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of interest and skepticism regarding the practicality and market viability of a walking simulation device. There is no consensus on whether it would be a successful product or how it would compare to existing alternatives.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge various assumptions about cost, practicality, and user interest, but these remain unresolved. The discussion does not clarify the technical feasibility of the proposed device.

T.O.E Dream
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If there was a device that allows the simulation of walking (maybe a practical omni-direction treadmill), would gamers be interested in such a product. For example, wii has many products that allow video games to be more interactive but all of which you can't walk or run with. With this be a big product?
 
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It sounds like it would be really expensive once you got all the bugs and safety issues worked out and not many people would be able to afford it.

The best thing would be to hirea game-theatre-type place of VR games, and sell VR units to the game-theatre. People who can afford to have a whole room of their house be used for a game might also buy your product.

Then you could design a new operating system that you can host 3D applications on and artists, architects, and engineers will all be on board too, designing their projects by walking around inside of them.

I would like 10%, thank you.
 
It might be a good idea for an arcade, or even a gym. I think I'd be more willing to hop on a treadmill if I could feel like I was doing something while walking or running on it since usually they are just very boring to me. I'm more in favor of just going out and doing the actual activity than playing it on a video game, but they're good alternatives for when the weather is cruddy
 
What about if the system was about 2 feet in length? So that it would fit nicely in a room. Would it be more practical?
 
T.O.E Dream said:
If there was a device that allows the simulation of walking (maybe a practical omni-direction treadmill), would gamers be interested in such a product. For example, wii has many products that allow video games to be more interactive but all of which you can't walk or run with. With this be a big product?
I believe that Wii has a product that tracks body motion and will translate it into walking/ect. No treadmill.

Moonbear said:
It might be a good idea for an arcade, or even a gym. I think I'd be more willing to hop on a treadmill if I could feel like I was doing something while walking or running on it since usually they are just very boring to me. I'm more in favor of just going out and doing the actual activity than playing it on a video game, but they're good alternatives for when the weather is cruddy
Wii has a line of exercise games. They are rather successfully expanding the women's market in gaming.
 
The original nintendo had that. It was a pad you could run on.
 
Galteeth said:
The original nintendo had that. It was a pad you could run on.

But did it feel like running? So it does it feel like you're actually in the game.
 

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