Meet the virtualizer, the joystick

The Virtualizer is a device that transforms video game players' dream come true: using all body movements to control games. This joystick "puts you in the game, " allowing you to freely walk, run, and bomb in all directions. The brilliant mind behind the name of the project is Tuncay Cakmak.

It all started with the topic of the Tuncay master's thesis in physics, in June 2012. According to the Austrian, the idea came when he asked his brother if he could with the Wii Remote, managed to connect it to the computer and started using it to play Quake 3.

“The control crosshair with the control seemed more natural than using a mouse and I could feel the adrenaline level rising immediately. So after this experience, he thought of possible ways to further increase immersion. And the most gratifying thing for him was actually being able to be in his favorite games, ”he says.

In this way, Tuncay, 27, founded the Cyberith company with his partner Holger Hager and started the Virtualizer financing campaign on Kickstarter . In August of last year, the goal was successfully achieved and they sold over 300 simple Virtualizers to their supporters on-site, raising over $ 929, 000 in gross.

The peripheral is nothing more than a base accompanied by three pillars. In addition, it has a ring that surrounds the body and detects all your movements. With the friction system, the joystick allows you to walk, run, jump and walk down. There is also a vibrating system that makes the base shake or vibrate depending on the game and its actions.

To use the joystick, simply connect it to a USB port and have a hook to pass the cables of the virtual reality glasses, such as Oculus Rift or Samsung Gear VR over the player. On the other hand, if you do not have a game with accessory support, it is possible to use the same program to translate your actions into keyboard commands. The product only requires that the game be in the first person, such as Battleground 4, GTA 5, and The Elder Scrolls v: Skyrim.

Unfortunately, it is not compatible with famous football titles, PES and Fifa 2015 2015. An advantage is that the gadget is distributed with the use of shoes, different from other similar controls, such as the special Omni Virtuix. The only recommendation is to put on socks.

The price and release date, however, have not yet been revealed. The only confirmed information is that they will start selling the product soon around the world through the official online store.