Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Sixense/Kickstarter

Stem controllers brings wireless motion tracking to gaming

The STEM controllers can track the movement of your legs, arms and head and reproduce them in-game.

ANYONE WHO HAS ever wanted virtual reality to become, well, a reality will be a step closer to realising it thanks to a new set of controllers.

The Stem controllers, developed by digital control company Sixense, are wireless and use electromagnetic tracking to capture your movement in-game.

Taking the shape of a handle with an analogue stick, a trigger and six buttons, the controllers works in pairs – one for each hand – allowing it to track your legs, arms and head independently. If you move your hand, your character’s hand moves as well.

The makers claim that the controllers can deliver motion gameplay to “virtually any published PC game.” However, games that have been customised to work with it like Portal 2 – which has 14 levels made by Sixense itself – will benefit the most from it.

Although it can be used on its own, the controller is also compatible with the Oculus Rift, the virtual reality headset which is designed to offer an immersive gaming experience.

(Video: Sixensent/YouTube)

The project was originally put up on Kickstarter where it raised over $600,000 (€440,000) back in October. The company will begin shipping the system in July.

Read: Sony announces game-streaming service Playstation Now >

Read: 15 free games to play when you’re feeling bored >

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
9 Comments
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds