Ovomind will show its Gen AI game tech that detects gamer reactions at GDC

Ovomind, an AI and “affective computing” startup, plans to show off the first iteration of its generative AI gaming solution at the Game Developers Conference. It basically detects a player’s reaction on a moment-by-moment basis.

Ovomind said it will debut its Ovomind DK1 at GDC 2025 in San Francisco from March 17 to March 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, CEO of Ovomind, in a statement. “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), 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
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, CTO at Ovomind, in a statement. “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.”

Here’s the pitch for devs on using 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.

Ovomind has a Dead Showdows tech demo for game devs to review. It was created by Marc Albinet and shows off a number features.