Ahead of the game: four ways that 5G is already transforming gaming

Controllers? Forget about ’em. In the past, the barrier to moving across to VR (virtual reality) was the clunkiness of the headsets and the time lag, which can cause motion sickness. Seamless, cloudbased VR games that you can play anywhere require huge amounts of data and low latency (data transfer time, basically) – and that’s where 5G comes in. Not only will games become more fluid and immersive, but you’ll be able to ‘see’ your fellow players as you play, thanks to facialscanning technology.

Yep, it’s true – and it’s already happening. UK-based company MyndPlay has made it possible to control a game with your emotional state. One game involves illuminating a lightsaber blade purely by concentrating. Beyond gaming, just imagine the possibilities: those with limited mobility could use it to control appliances at home or even motorised wheelchairs.

The low latency and real time-data transmission made possible through 5G has all sorts of potential outside gaming. In Massachusetts, Verizon’s 5G Lab has created some very clever robots which can enter disaster zones and provide ‘eyes’ on the ground (for doing very helpful things like spotting trapped people). Then, teams can enter the area and know exactly where to go. In life-or-death situations like these, lightning-fast reactions are essential – which is exactly what 5G can facilitate.

You’re probably aware that exposure therapy works very well when treating phobias and even PTSD – but why bother actually going up in a glass lift to the top of a skyscraper when you could do it through VR? VR therapy could help people overcome their fears from the comfort of their home, and real-time touch sensory exposure can make it all the more real. That means virtual spiders…

Listen to episode three, ‘Mind-controlled Gaming’, on Spotify, Google Podcasts and Apple Podcasts.