"If you get killed in the Matrix, do you die here?"Asked Neo in Matrix and Morpheus replied "The body does not survive without a mind". And that's exactly what Palmer Luckey, the founder and creator of Oculus Rift, would try to do. In accordance to announced on his personal blog and later reported by Vice, the tech genius would have created a one-of-a-kind VR headset that it kills you if you die in virtual reality.
A provocative work of art by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus Rift. A VR headset that kills you if you die in the game
The VR headset looks like a Meta Quest Pro helmet with three explosive charges that are placed above the screen, that is, in fact, in front of the front part of the user's brain. If activated, they will literally blow up the unfortunate player. Palmer Luckey explained on his blog that there is a reason for creating this VR device. It all lies in the involvement:
The idea of tying your real life to a virtual avatar has always fascinated me: you instantly raise the stakes to the maximum and force people to fundamentally rethink how they interact with the virtual world and the players it contains. Advanced graphics can make a game more realistic, but only the threat of serious consequences will make the game real for you and any other person
But let's go in order. How was this VR headset created that truly kills you if you die digitally? The tycoon based himself on the series of novels and anime Sword Art Online. In this fictional universe, events take place in an alternate year of 2022, where users can enter virtual reality using one special helmet NerveGear. The helmet simulates all sensations and allows you to fully immerse yourself in the virtual world. However, on the day of this VR launch, thousands of gamers find themselves stuck in a digital world and to get back to reality, they have to go through 100 levels and don't die. Otherwise, the user really dies.
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Lucky stated on his blog that he used three explosive charges, which he usually uses for "another project". Reporters noted among other things that his company called Anduril (the name of the sword used by Aragorn during the War of the Ring) is creating ammunition, anti-drone systems and other military devices for the United States Army. In addition to the explosives, the inventor added a photosensor that reacts to flicker of the screen when a character dies and detonates charges.
Lucky also said he plans to add one protection against unauthorized access to the VR helmet, which will not allow you to remove it early. But do not worry: the inventor said that this is still alone a provocative work of art and you would never think of putting it up for sale. Although, in my opinion, there are some crazy people who would use it.
