Have you ever wondered what your favorite game worlds smell like? Even if you haven't, a company called GameScent is about to give you an answer with its eponymous device. If GameScent sounds like the Smell-O-Vision of video games, that's because it only uses modern technology.
GameScent uses artificial intelligence to automatically emit scents that match gameplay. The device's transducer captures sound in real time, and then AI processes it to release specific scents through on-screen action. The scents mentioned are meant to evoke the smells of battle, speeding cars, forest fragrances and even fresh rain. GameScent is compatible with a variety of devices, including home consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series
I was introduced to GameScent at a recent press event and found it…interesting, to say the least. Although this product may seem strange (pun intended), the idea behind it makes sense. After all, smells can imprint long-lasting memories better than some of your other senses. In theory, this could help make games more immersive. On the other hand, it can be distracting to have random scents released while playing games.
Is GameScent the future of gaming or another Smell-O-Vision in the making? Here's how the device works and what I think about it.
GameScent: How it works
Let's dive a little deeper into how GameScent actually works.
GameScent uses interchangeable cartridges that are compatible with different scents. These include: Shooting, Explosion, Racing, Storm, and Jungle. There is also a cartridge called “Clean Air” which instantly neutralizes any odors in the room. The scents are intended to “keep the sensory adventure going,” according to the company. Scents like Blood, Ocean, Sports Arena and Fresh Cut Grass will arrive in the future. Yes I said blood
On the hardware side, there's a mid-sized box that holds the aforementioned cartridges and a small adapter that features an HDMI port and a 3.5mm headphone jack for connecting to your gaming rig. The Switch uses Wi-Fi to connect to the cloud-based AI, so you'll need an internet connection to use GameScent. The box containing the cartridges connects via USB-C to draw power. During the demo, it was connected to a USB-C portable power bank. You are free to use any 5W charger you may have on hand.
GameScent: In action
A GameScent PR representative played Far Cry 6 to demo the console during the event. This was a wise choice since that game's open-world environment helps produce the scents that the machine can emit. If you're wondering, the actor ran on Xbox Series S, though the device is compatible with any gaming console.
I'm no expert on scents, but to my untrained nose, the jungle scent released during Far Cry 6 evoked the earthy scents of nature.
As the delegate made his way through the forest, that associated scent was released. I'm no scent expert, but to my untrained nose, the scent of the forest evokes the earthy scents of nature. The smell itself wasn't overpowering, but it was noticeable.
Things got more interesting during the fight. The firing gave off a sharp odor meant to evoke the smell of gunpowder. I haven't smelled gunfire since I was a kid, so I'll take GameScent's word that this is what gunfire smells like. The same goes for an explosion, which I equate to feeling like being in a smoke-filled room. I can't say the latter actually smells like smoke, but it did evoke that olfactory sensation.
After the session, a GameScent representative released a “clean air” scent to neutralize any lingering odors. Although it helped mitigate the odors, it didn't completely negate them. But to be fair, the GameScent team had been testing the device all day in a small hotel room. At worst, your gaming room may retain the smell of a strange (but harmless) perfume after long sessions.
In case you were wondering, scents don't cancel each other out. So, if you've been in an intense battle with gunfire and explosions, you'll recognize both smells. I noticed a 1-2 second delay between the on-screen actions and the scent releases. This is because the device must send a signal to the cloud in order to be able to produce the correct scent. Other than that, I think it did a good job of handling simultaneous and consecutive scents.
GameScent: Does it pass the smell test?
Part of me wants to dismiss GameScent as a gimmick more akin to 3D, but I also can't help but respect the intention behind this device. With graphics and performance seemingly flat, and VR games still trying to find their footing, why not use scents to make games more immersive? Again, the idea is wild (and brings up the smell of Smell-O-Vision), but I totally get it.
Would I buy GameScent for myself? Probably not, but that doesn't mean future iterations might not win me over. It will be interesting to see if this contraption finds widespread acceptance among gamers, or if it will be written off for being too weird. Time will tell, but for now the GameScent is one of the most interesting gaming consoles I've tested in years.
GameScent is available now for $179 GameStop, Best buy And Walmart. At the time of writing, it's available for $149 Amazon. If you are in Boston for PAX East (March 21 – 24), be sure to stop by the GameScent booth to see if it passes the smell test.
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