Streamers Invest $15K in Skyrim VR, Add Haptic Suit for Pain

In a bold move by a dedicated Skyrim VR streamer known as GingasVR, the gaming experience has been taken to a new level of realism by integrating actual pain into gameplay. The streamer's setup, originally costing around $15,000, previously included enhanced VR immersion with mods, Vive trackers for accurate body movements, and even a fan to simulate environmental conditions like wind. To escalate the immersive factor, GingasVR added an "OWO suit," a haptic feedback suit which can deliver real electric shocks corresponding to in-game combat scenarios. While displaying a mix of trepidation and excitement, GingasVR's encounters, especially with dragons in Skyrim, resulted in some very realistic reactions to the painful feedback.

How does a haptic feedback suit work in VR gaming?

A haptic feedback suit enhances VR gaming by providing physical sensations that correspond to in-game actions and events. It uses technology such as vibrations, pressures, and, in the case of the "OWO suit" mentioned, electric shocks to simulate tactile feedback. This makes the virtual environment feel more real to the player by mimicking the sense of touch.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is an open-world action RPG developed by Bethesda Game Studios, following its previous installment Oblivion. It has been widely acclaimed for its vast and detailed game world, freedom in gameplay, and expansive lore. Since its initial release in 2011, Skyrim has been re-released on various platforms including VR, which allows gamers to experience the world of Tamriel in a wholly immersive way. The game's long-standing popularity and moddable nature have led to a vibrant community of players continuously finding new ways to experience the fictional province of Skyrim.