How Voice Technology is Set to Alter the Gaming World Forever

As voice recognition technology improves, professionals are recognizing the potential applications it has for a wide range of industries. Specifically, many believe voice tech will have a major impact on gaming. For instance, it’s predicted that in some games, a user’s voice could essentially replace the controller. This would result in a completely new and unique way to interface with a game.

Voice software is particularly useful in games that rely on virtual or augmented reality. A gamer wearing a VR headset may find it difficult to play with a controller they can’t see. On the other hand, if they only need to use their voice to determine what happens in the game, the experience becomes much more natural and immersive.

Of course, voice technology also allows multiple gamers to interact with one another. This feature is already fairly common in online gaming. However, as the voice app development improves, gamers will likely begin using it in more dynamic ways. The following examples demonstrate what this could look like.

Making Interaction More Natural

Again, many online games already allow users to communicate with one another by speaking into a headset. However, the process of doing so can be cumbersome.

A number of interfaces require players to press certain buttons or keys before they can begin speaking to other players. This does prevent people from accidentally saying something to their fellow players that may have been intended for another listener, like someone else in the room. However, it can also slow down gameplay significantly.

With voice recognition tech, a gamer could simply ask the program to turn on a communication feature. This would allow them to easily start speaking with teammates whenever they wanted to.

Improving the Virtual Experience

Recently, IBM partnered with game developer Ubisoft to improve the experience of playing the virtual reality game Star Trek: Bridge Crew. Using Watson’s interactive speech tech, the game now allows players to communicate with other characters and perform certain actions solely by using voice commands.

This is ideal for VR gaming. These types of games typically require players to wear virtual headsets, making it difficult to see a controller. Additionally, the experience of using a handset reminds a player they are only in a game, rendering the virtual elements much less convincing.

As VR gaming becomes increasingly popular, developers will use voice tech to offer players a truly immersive experience.

Creating Relationships

Improvements in AI technology will soon result in video game characters that feel more like real people than ever before. Some companies are already using voice tech to enhance this effect.

One instance comes from the game Mayday! Deep Space. The program allows users to guide the main character through various obstacles using voice commands. However, the character answers back, developing a relationship with the player that’s unique in modern gaming. If more developers incorporate AI and voice tech, games may become more interactive than ever before.

These examples clearly demonstrate that voice tech is triggering a gaming revolution. Developers who take advantage of it now will stand out among the competition. That said, to fully leverage the technology, they should partner with development teams that specialize in voice recognition technology. By partnering with experts, brands will be able to take full advantage of voice tech, using it to offer gamers the kinds of experiences they can’t find anywhere else.

Contribution by Catherine Metcalf