The next step – literally - in the world of gaming is the introduction of GPS on mobile handsets. One move on from the Nintendo Wii, which saw gamers get off their couches and start throwing themselves around their living rooms, this next generation of GPS game aims to get people outdoors and into the streets and parks, thereby turning their neighbourhoods into virtual playing fields.
The GPS technology – the same as you find in car satellite navigation systems - adds a new element to portable gaming, blurring the real and virtual worlds by allowing players to pinpoint their locations to within a few metres while tracking their bearing and speed. Nokia is predicting that half of all its handsets will have integrated GPS technology within 5 years.
With most GPS games now free to download from the internet, the scope of games which could be developed is almost infinite – from virtual treasure hunts and mazes, to a giant size Pacman etc. Some websites such as http://www.geocaching.com/ are already taking advantage of this new technology, where players are encouraged to hunt for real treasure as hidden by other enthusiasts using clues that have been posted online.
The health benefits of getting your backside off the sofa are obvious, but there are also clear safety issues - such as avoiding traffic and other people - which shouldn’t be forgotten!
The GPS technology – the same as you find in car satellite navigation systems - adds a new element to portable gaming, blurring the real and virtual worlds by allowing players to pinpoint their locations to within a few metres while tracking their bearing and speed. Nokia is predicting that half of all its handsets will have integrated GPS technology within 5 years.
With most GPS games now free to download from the internet, the scope of games which could be developed is almost infinite – from virtual treasure hunts and mazes, to a giant size Pacman etc. Some websites such as http://www.geocaching.com/ are already taking advantage of this new technology, where players are encouraged to hunt for real treasure as hidden by other enthusiasts using clues that have been posted online.
The health benefits of getting your backside off the sofa are obvious, but there are also clear safety issues - such as avoiding traffic and other people - which shouldn’t be forgotten!
Sam
No comments:
Post a Comment