As gamers, we are always chasing the next high when it pertains to immersiveness in our games. From the advent of VR to haptic vests and eye tracking, there are tools for every level of immersion short of a full-dive gaming rig.
However, with this next piece of gear, we could be one step closer to just that. Allow me to introduce GameScent.
GameScent aims to push immersion in gaming even further through its ability to release timed context-relevant scents when specific triggers appear in a game, movie, or TV show. By listening to audio queues through either a 3.5mm audio jack or anHDMI cable, GameScent’s AI can tell what is going on in whatever media you are playing. Then, the device can emit scents like explosions, rain, burning rubber, forest, and more into the air to further immerse you into your show or game.
But does it really add to your immersion? Or is this just a gimmick?
As someone who’s been testing the device for the past eight months, join me as I review GameScent, diving into its design, performance, and how it enhances the gaming experience with AI scent technology.
Unboxing and First Impressions
Upon opening the GameScent, I was surprised by how little actually comes in the box. The GameScent device is made up of three parts: an AI audio adapter, atomizer, and scent cartridges.
GameScent Device Setup
The setup was incredibly simple—the audio adapter plugs into your system just like a capture card would: HDMI in from your console or PC, then HDMI out to your monitor or TV. You can also use a 3.5mm jack to connect, but I haven’t needed to use it yet. The HDMI connection works perfectly for me.
The atomizer is plug-and-play—just connect the device to power, and you’re all set.
The kit I have came with six basic scents:
- Gunfire
- Explosions
- Rain
- Burning rubber
- Forest
- Clean air
The proprietary clean air scent neutralizes the others, so once you’re done gaming, the smell of gunfire doesn’t linger. Each scent is screwed into a cap and then added into the atomizer slot that corresponds with that scent number. GameScent’s AI will detect triggers in the game to release relevant scents during gameplay.
GameScent App Setup
Once your GameScent device is all set up, it’s time to install the app.
GameScent has an app that lets you sync your devices to WiFi so they can talk to each other and allows you to control the devices. This is a great feature if you have nice company over and don’t want to have explosion smells going off while “watching” Netflix.
Overall, this setup process was remarkably easier than other immersion devices I’ve used. Typically, a gimmicky device wouldn’t have this level of care and access for its backend software or apps.
The device itself has a rather impressive build quality. For reference, my cat has knocked it off my desk a number of times in the last eight months, and it’s always booted right back up and worked perfectly. If the device isn’t used for a period of time, it may disconnect from WiFi. However, the app will recognize when this happens and prompt you to reconnect upon opening. On the whole, this device’s setup and build quality are fantastic. You can tell a lot of R&D went into developing not just hardware that will last but also an app that makes the setup process simple and reliably easy.
GameScent Review: Device Performance in Action
You can build an exceptionally solid piece of hardware and a quality app to go with it; however, if the core concept of the device doesn’t elevate your gaming experience, then what’s the point?
Over my last eight months of testing and in writing this GameScent review, I’ve sought to answer the question: Does the GameScent device actually improve my gaming experience?
To answer this, I’ll be looking at the GamesScent device through three lenses: PvP games, PvE games, and VR.
GameScent and Player vs. Player Games
My favorite game of all time is League of Legends. No, I’m not a masochist—I just love the game that much. I’ve played League for over 12 years at this point, maining characters like Brand, Fizz, Zed, and other mid-laners.
In testing GameScent on League of Legends, I really wanted to see two things:
- Does the scent release distract me from the game?
- Does the scent affect my mental state while playing?
In the last eight months, I’ve played over 500 games of League of Legends. My impressions are as follows:
- I have not found GameScent to be distracting from competitive play. The scents are subtle enough that you can definitely tell they’re there but not so profound as to make me wretch or overwhelm my senses while playing.
- If GameScent impacts my mental state while playing, I’d say it helps me get into a flow state faster. I’ve noticed if I’m playing Brand and smell explosions while playing, I get chills. I get hyped. I’m in the zone. If I smell rain while throwing my Fizz ult, it gets me pumped up and ready to dive in.
If anything, I’d postulate that GameScent improved my performance in League of Legends—and after playing for 12 years, that’s saying something!
GameScent and Player vs. Environment Games
When testing PvE games, I played roughly 100 hours of Elden Ring and 100 hours of Cyberpunk. In both games, I completely lost myself in the worlds of the Lands Between and Night City. However, was this due to my use of GameScent? Or do I just love a good story?
Smelling the burning rubber of tires and gunfire in a car chase while driving around Night City, it’s hard to argue my experience wasn’t elevated. When streaming, I’d often forget to talk as I was so engrossed in the game.
In Elden Ring, fighting the Fire Giant in the DLC was incredible, in part due to GameScent’s AI releasing explosion scents when it attacked. It was epic—an experience I’ll never forget. I can honestly say that without GameScent, these experiences would have been way less memorable and impactful.
GameScent and Virtual Reality
Now, when it comes to VR, GameScent is an incredibly heavy hitter. If we’re talking about the next step into a full dive rig, this tech is a must-have.
Imagine playing SuperHot VR with a haptic vest and gloves and smelling your gunfire as you weave through its stylized dystopia. Or playing Skyrim VR and smelling the rain falling as you walk over a ridge and see Whiterun for the first time.
Arguably, VR has the best use case for GameScent as a more immersive gaming experience lends itself to really feeling like you’ve stepped into another world. Whether you play VRChat, RPGs, or VR FPS, GameScent is absolutely SURE to elevate your immersive gaming experience.
But is GameScent Just for Gaming?
For my GameScent review, I think I’ve conclusively established the device has elevated my gaming experience, but can it be used outside of gaming?
GameScent for Movies and TV
I’m a massive weeb, and if there’s a way I can be even more immersed into my anime, then I’m going to try it. The good thing is that GameScent isn’t limited to just consoles or PCs. You can connect it to everything from home theater systems to your living room flat screen.
From the smell of explosions when boats fire cannons in One Piece to the release of forest scents while watching Game of Thrones, GameScent delivers on its promise to immerse you into your media.
GameScent for Tabletop Gaming
I’ve also been able to test another fun use case: tabletop gaming.
My friends meet once a month for DnD sessions, and giving our DM the power to release scents to amp up the campaign right at our gaming table has made our sessions insanely fun.
The GameScent app lets you manually push prompts to the atomizer to release scents. So, if a dragon breathes fire, then a corresponding scent can be released. Walking in the rain towards a hidden elf village? Push the rain scent. Wizard casts fireball in an enclosed room? Combine the explosion scent with the burning rubber scent to really make it hit home how much destruction was caused.
There are all kinds of fun ways to incorporate GameScent into your hobbies. So, I can confidently say no, it’s not just for video games.
GameScent Review Final Thoughts
I set out to explore a new AI technology in the gaming space and deliver an honest GameScent review. After a thorough eight months of testing, I can confidently say GameScent has enhanced my gaming experience. From upping my win-rate in League of Legends to immersing me into other worlds like Skyrim, Night City, and the Lands Between, GameScent has not just enhanced my gaming experience but also helped me fall in love with gaming again.
For a long time, I’ve only played games on stream. Gaming has started to feel like a chore or like work. Since using GameScent, I’ve actually started playing games off-stream again. Recently, I’ve been getting lost in Baldur’s Gate 3, and the way GameScent has an application for every aspect of it is actually incredible. Even my wife has started playing with me and has noticed she gets more into the game when GameScent is running. I can honestly say that going forward I’ll be using GameScent EVERY time I turn on my PC.
Join me on TikTok and Twitch to see how I harmonize gaming and cooking—two of my biggest passions. Follow along for more content where I blend immersive gameplay with creative culinary adventures!
