HC#01: Haptics in VR with Alex Meland
Haptics Club Episode 1 with Alex Meland, community manager of bHaptics. We talk about haptics in VR gaming, haptics trends, and the future of haptics. Read the transcript, or listen below.
About Alex Meland
Alex encountered a vibrant community within the XR and haptic spaces and considers himself an early adopter in the technology sector. Alex's interest in haptics began in the late 90s with their first purchase of a rumble pack for a video game.
Since the interview, Alex joined Contact CI in the XR haptic glove space. Formerly, he ran community at one of the leading consumer haptics product company’s bHaptics. In addition, he started a podcast and attended conventions to share their knowledge and enthusiasm for the XR technology, called Between Realities. Alex feels that it is their responsibility to inform others about the incredible work being done in this field
What's your definition of Haptics, how do you explain it?
Alex explains haptics as the way that we connect to virtual worlds, providing an example of VR gaming, where haptic feedback through controllers can greatly enhance the immersion experience. He uses the example of a moment when haptic feedback stops working in a game, such as in Beat Saber, and how it creates a disconnect and feels strange. He concludes by describing haptics as the way that we can touch and feel the virtual world we are immersed in
Why Haptics in VR?
Alex explains that haptics plays a crucial role in creating a more immersive experience in VR. The importance of haptic responses in VR environments, and how people start to realize the importance of being able to interact more with the virtual environment as they spend more time in immersive environments. The company offers various haptic products such as vests, arm and foot attachments, and even a face piece, which can be used to fill in the gaps in sensation. The company's vision is to provide haptic experiences that are easy to use and integrate into consumer's gaming and VR experiences. They also explore other forms of haptic feedback such as electro stimulation, hot and cold sensors, and force feedback, while taking into account factors like practicality, cost and consumer demand.
What are some of the Challenges of integrating Haptics into VR Gaming?
Alex explains that their biggest challenge at the moment is to invest in developers and to get them to prioritize incorporating haptic technology into their software. Developers are busy and have other priorities, but as the haptic community grows, so does the demand for more integrated titles. The implementation process for haptic technology is actually quite simple and developers have found it to be easy to integrate. The company focuses on the VR space, as it is perfect for haptics, but they also see opportunities outside of the VR space, such as in flat-screen gaming. They want to get haptic technology incorporated into PC gaming, which has been lacking in haptic feedback compared to console gaming. The CEO sees a huge gap in the flat-screen gaming market and believes that incorporating haptic wearable devices can enhance the experience for gamers.
How do you Build a Developer Community?
Building a developer community for haptic technology in VR gaming requires passion and open communication. Using platforms like Discord and Twitter are powerful tools for connecting with developers in the niche community. The VR development community is incredibly passionate and many developers are willing to incorporate haptic technology into their software, especially when given the opportunity to test and use the technology themselves. However, one of the biggest challenges is convincing developers to prioritize haptic technology and finding the time to implement it into their software. Alex suggests that by being passionate and direct in communication, developers will be more willing to incorporate haptic technology into their games and make the immersive experience even better
The Future of Haptics in 5 years
In the next five years, Alex predicts that haptic technology will continue to improve in terms of accessibility and affordability. He sees companies such as Woojer continuing to focus on making haptic devices lighter, cheaper, and more accessible to consumers. Additionally, he believes that the haptic industry will follow a similar path as the VR industry, where it becomes more accessible to the general public as prices decrease and more games and experiences are developed. However, Alex also notes that truly innovative and exciting advancements in haptic technology may not be seen until 10 to 15 years from now.
Other Future Applications of Haptics in the Coming Years
Alex continues to discuss the future of haptics in gaming and VR, with a focus on the potential for haptic technology to bring the immersive experiences of arcades into the home. The potential for haptic technology to enhance social interactions and experiences, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Alex mentions that one of the most impactful experiences he's had with haptic technology was in a game where he dropped an item into a backpack, and it truly felt like something had landed there, highlighting the potential for haptic technology to enhance the subtle and seemingly insignificant moments in a game or experience. These "delightful moments" can also be used to create a sense of tangible reality and immersion. He also mentions that there is a lot of space for social haptics and how technology can be used to bring people closer together.
