Review Fix Exclusive: Inside M.I.N.D

Review Fix chats with Adran Chong, founder of Soap Studio, who discusses his awesome new headset and how it’s going to change the gaming industry forever.

About Mind:

After years of research and development M.I.N.D. is finally here. The product comes with a headset and a Holo-Box. The headset uses a sophisticated technology that captures and amplifies player’s brainwaves and transforms them into commands. Each emotional fluctuation, concentration levels and minor motions such as blinking are converted to moves that control the game character. By combining a smartphone with the Holo-Box, players can experience a 3D holographic projection as in a cinema theater, from the comfort of their home. Soap Studio are currently developing a new app that will soon allow users to control certain models of famous drone brands using M.I.N.D.

In the game Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice the plot is similar to the plot of the movie. Gotham city’s vigilante takes on Metropolis’ most revered, modern-day savior.  While they clash, a new threat to humanity quickly arises, giving the players the opportunity to save the world. Levels are unlocked when the players finish missions successfully, and hidden character(s) will appear throughout the whole game. With the brainwave headset, users can start the game and complete stages as Batman. There are three difficulty levels and over 30 stages in total. As the plot of the blockbuster, Batman is training up to rise to the God-like Superman. The game comes as a free app that is currently available on the App Store and will soon be on Google Play.

Review Fix: How was this headset born?

Adran Chong: We immediately became interested in the brainwave technology when we first heard of it. My first thought was ‘How cool would it be if we integrate it in the gaming industry.’ It was a no-brainer, so we immediately started working on finding a way to get it going. I am a huge Batman and DC Comics fan, so this is how MIND was born. A mind-controlled Batman game sounds dope; it is entirely different from the rest of the gaming industry. I truly believe everyone who likes Batman would enjoy using the device. As a matter of fact, Batman is always the one with the coolest gadgets; he was my inspiration to invent MIND.

Review Fix: What was development like?

Chong: It was a long journey; we spent a tremendous amount of time on the headset design and modification. Initially, the headset was very bulky, and we had challenges to make it compatible for both kids and adults. And if the product does not fit perfectly, the sensibility would not be as accurate as we want it to be. So we had to spend a lot of time designing a headset that would fit comfortably on both adults and children. And the game design was not easy either as it is based on the movie Batman VS Superman. Even though I am a huge fan, getting all details of the plot and integrating them into a game was not easy, but we succeeded. We created many difference games that could be found in the movie. To give you an example; driving the Batmobile, Batwing, hitting Superman. I wanted to develop a game that people would enjoy. We’ve hired a great apps developer from Australia. His team did a great job! I hope people will appreciate the graphics and the dynamics of the game, it was not easy to create it!

Review Fix: Any fun stories or wild moments?

Chong: Yes, there were many stories, especially when you see someone who is very hooked up to the game. Once they take of the headset, they want to mind control everything they see. During the development we let many volunteers from all ages and backgrounds try the product, it initially was a surprise that children were doing better than adults. In gaming where gamers use their hands, it is usually the opposite. There are stages of the game where you need to be concentrated, and you need to have full control over your mind. We’ve noticed children can focus better on gaming than on their homework! We believe the game could help children to improve their concertation skills. Another funny thing was the reaction of people when you tell them they will play a video game without using their hands. The fact that you can punch Superman with a blink of an eye makes everyone smile. It was great developing the product!

Review Fix: How does this peripheral disrupt the game landscape?

Chong: As you can see there are no that many options for brainwave controlled gaming out here, so we truly believe the future of gaming is partially in the brainwave technology. We are currently working on developing a new app that will allow users to use the headset for controlling a drone. In near future, we will see this technology introduced into VR too. And with VR you know, opportunities are endless!

Review Fix: Who will enjoy this headset the most?

Chong: Both children and adults enjoy it. It’s innovative technology; it is something people haven’t experienced yet. Everyone who puts the headset on falls in love with the game. Especially Batman fans as they can finally “be Batman”! The experience is so much different than gaming with your hands!

Review Fix: What are your goals for the product?

Chong: We hope for more people to try and experiences this new technology. I can admit, it is not easy to bring something new to the market. We’ve had a lot of challenges. There are so many gaming choices out there! This is why we will continue working on expanding the application of this type of peripherals. It will be more than just a single game; we want people to enjoy the story and use the same product for other games and activities.

Review Fix: What’s next?

Chong: We are going to launch a new app that will allow users to control a drone. The app currently under development, we are very excited about the results we are getting so far.  It will be more than just a game, you will be able to control a flying device with your mind soon, and who knows, maybe you will be able to control other things too. We don’t want to spill the beans!

Review Fix: Anything else you’d like to add?

Chong: MIND is more than a game and new technology; we hope we will soon be able to find an educational use for it too. So don’t be afraid of getting the device, it is future proofed as you will be able to use it for other things too. We are working on the educational use, and we hope this technology will soon be helping children with learning disorder become better at school. Improving kids’ skills by getting them to play a game, welcome to the 21st century.