Virtual reality has exploded as an outlet for video games in recent years thanks to the release of devices like the Oculus Rift and PlayStation VR. Valve, the developer of theHalf-LifeandPortalseries, has also put its hat in the ring with theValve Indexheadset.
However, the company’s co-founder Gabe Newell is apparently looking into the “long-lead” possibility of games made with brain-computer interfaces in mind. In an interview aboutValve’sHalf-Life: Alyxwith IGN, Newell said research that occurred “a while ago” and the technology has been “the background thread I get pulled back into when other things aren’t demanding my attention.”
RELATED:Will Half-Life: Alyx Set Up Half-Life 3?
The long-time video game developer does go on to talk about things that do take up his attention on a “typical day,” such as answering e-mails or dealing with personnel issues and the press. In fact, he describes getting roped intoHalf-Life: Alyx’s development similar to people askingKeanu Reeves' character John Wickif he’s “back.” Yet Newell says he tries to avoid typical days as much as possible because they are predictable, and as a result he goes after problems that aren’t obvious in the moment.
Newell goes on to say, “I think [computer-brain interfacing] is an extinction-level event for every entertainment forum that’s not thinking about this.” He believes the technology is closer toThe Matrixthan people realize, will have a huge impact on the experiences that developers can create, and that Valve needs to keep pushing harder even after “great steps forward” like theValve Index VR headset.
Alongside his fellow interviewee Robin Walker, a programmer and designer onHalf-Life: Alyx, Newell discusses how VR will improve the single-player, story-driven experiences that theHalf-Lifeseries is known for. Walker believes the game will also hugely benefit from a blend of development experiences coming from veterans who worked onHalf-Life 1and members ofCampo Santo, who created the adventure gameFirewatchbefore being acquired by Valve.
While much of the IGN interview is dedicated to Newell’s asides about the potential of brain-computer interfacing, ultimately it does come back around to the nextHalf-Lifegame being a potential stepping stone for the company. Newell ends the conversation hoping people will “come back and say the magic is still there” after playingHalf-Life: Alyxwhen it releases later this month.
