(Geneva, Switzerland) — February 25, 2025 — Ovomind, a pioneering AI and Affective Computing startup integrating Generative AI into gaming, today announced the U.S. debut of its groundbreaking Ovomind DK1 will take place at the 2025 Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco, CA. During the event, which takes place March 17-21, 2025, attendees who visit Ovomind (booth SU12, Startup area, Moscone Convention Center) can experience the DK1’s full capabilities via an interactive tech demo that showcases how emotion-driven mechanics enhance player engagement, retention and storytelling.
Ovomind, which revolutionizes the way players experience gaming, seamlessly integrates players’ emotions (via a wearable smartband) into gameplay by measuring the body’s reactions in real time. Bridging the gap between the virtual and the emotional, Ovomind captures a gamer’s unique emotional state – whether it’s excitement, stress or calm – and translates it directly into the game. This creates a deeply immersive experience where the game adapts to how the player feels, making every moment more personal and engaging.
"At Ovomind, we believe the future of gaming lies in forging a deeper connection between players and the worlds they explore,” said Yann Frachi, co-founder and CEO, Ovomind. “By harnessing the power of emotional AI, we’re not just creating games that respond to actions, but to feelings—delivering a truly immersive experience where every heartbeat shapes the journey."
Now Available for Integration
The Ovomind DK1 Developer Bundle (SDK and smartband) is now available for pre-orders ($199 USD), shipping worldwide for developers in Q2 2025, and includes the following:
• Ovomind® Smartband
• Ovomind App (iOS, Android, Desktop)
• Ovomind Web Platform & Studio Dashboard: Provides advanced analytics and insights
• Ovomind Online SDK to set up game interactions and customizable analytics
• Access to Exclusive Tech Demo - Dead Shadows (more info below)
• User Research & Analytics Tools: Includes video playback with dynamic emotion heatmaps
A free offline SDK with simulated data for Unreal Engine and Unity developers is available by contacting Ovomind at sdk@ovomind.com.
“After captivating audiences with successful demos at the Tokyo Game Show in Japan, we’re thrilled to bring this groundbreaking technology to the U.S. for the first time at the Game Developers Conference in 2025,” said Julien Masse, co-founder and CTO, Ovomind. “Attendees will get the chance to ‘feel’ the game adapt to their emotions in real time—where every heartbeat shapes the adventure—ushering in a new era of games immersion."
Why Developers Should Choose the Ovomind DK1:
• Real-Time Emotional Insight: The Ovomind® Smartband monitors players’ physiological responses, capturing detailed emotional data such as excitement, stress, and calmness. This real-time data provides a unique insight into how players are feeling, visualized through emotion heat-maps, allowing developers to create more immersive and engaging experiences.
• Adaptive Gameplay Design: With access to players’ emotional feedback, developers can create games that adapt in real-time to a player’s emotional state. Whether it is adjusting difficulty based on stress levels or amplifying moments of excitement, the Ovomind DK1 enables developers to design gameplay that responds dynamically to each player, creating a more personalized and resonant experience.
• Enhanced Player Engagement: By integrating the Ovomind DK1 into games, developers can deepen player engagement by making gameplay responsive to their emotional journey and providing players with an emotional analysis at the end of each session. The Ovomind DK1 allows developers to connect with players on an emotional level, so their games stand out from the crowd by being more immersive and memorable.
• Ease of Integration: The Ovomind DK1 Development Kit seamlessly integrates with industry standard game development platforms, making it simple to incorporate emotional feedback into projects. Whether a developer is working on a new title or enhancing an existing game, the Ovomind DK1 provides the tools needed to create cutting-edge, emotionally responsive experiences.
Overview of Dead Shadows 5-minute tech demo:
• Experience the tech via Dead Shadows, the flagship title utilizing Ovomind’s Affective Gen AI showcasing emotion-driven gameplay
o Created by Marc Albinet (AC Unity, Dying Light 2)
• Gameplay Features
o Emotion-Adaptive Mechanics:
Witness how the game dynamically responds to your biometric feedback, enhancing fear or tranquility based on your emotional state
o Dual Modes:
Psychological Terror mode heightens suspense with unsettling visuals, eerie soundscapes, and gameplay elements that react to your fears
Adaptive Relaxation mode transitions gameplay to a calming environment, allowing players to manage stress and experience tranquility
• Technical Showcase:
o Demonstration of the Ovomind Certification in action:
EAC (Emotional Analytics Certification): Allows studios to share player emotional data publicly
EDC (Emotional Dynamic Certification): Recognizes games that use emotions for interactivity, a key aspect of Ovomind’s game lineup
Media Kit: https://delivery.warningup.com/OVOMIND/%5bOVOMIND%5d Press Kit.zip
About Ovomind
Ovomind, a pioneering AI and Affective Computing startup integrating Generative AI into gaming, is at the forefront of emotion-driven interactive entertainment, empowering developers with tools to create games that react in real-time to players' emotions. With the DK1 Development Kit, studios can craft groundbreaking experiences that integrate biometric data, transforming fear, excitement, and tension into compelling gameplay mechanics. Based in Switzerland, Ovomind is pioneering the future of emotionally intelligent gaming. Visit www.Ovomind.com for documentation, tutorials and licensing details.
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Media Contact:
Glenn Mandel
Warning Up
760-798-1563
g.mandel@warningup.com