Haptic feedback helped redefine gaming immersion over the years. While it is often taken for granted in both gaming and smart phone technology, haptic feedback is an ultra-important part in technology. It’s transformative effect in helping to lure the senses into a state of immersion can’t be understated.
Haptic Feedback: How It Began
Haptic feedback goes back over three decades. It began in the late 1990s when Nintendo pioneered what is known as Rumble Paks. These Rumble Paks were built into the Nintendo 64 controllers. They would essentially vibrate in response to specific game events. The intention was to add a new layer of immersion to the games.
And it worked.
But the early 2000s, haptic feedback was catching on as Sony introduced it’s DualShock controller for both PlayStation and Xbox. The DualShock needed no extra attachments, making it a clear advancement in haptic feedback technology.
Following this, haptic Feedback became much more sophisticated as vibrations became more of an accurate representation of the game. It could simulate a wider ranges of sensations for different types of actions.
In 2010, touch screen devices found a need for haptic feedback. If you have a smartphone, you are probably familiar with the little pop you get back when you press a letter while composing a text message.
Today, haptic feedback technology is wildly immersive and futuristic. The Sony PlayStation 5 DualSense controller has adaptive triggers and simulate varieties of textures and forces. It’s wild.
Haptic Feedback and Modern Gaming
There are a number of popular games that leverage the power of haptic feedback.
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S):
COD uses haptic feedback for weapons and their recoil, which adds a ton of realism to the shooting experience.
I mean, check this out.
Resident Evil Village (PlayStation 5):
There’s not much for environmental haptic. Like COD, Resident Evil Village haptic feedback amps up the weapons use, particularly with trigger pulls and recoil. They even give you a sense of weight and resistance with the weapon.
Hitman 3 (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S):
This game uses subtle haptic feedback cues to enhance the overall tension.
Here’s a bro using a haptic feedback vest.