At CES 2025, Sony unveiled a revolutionary concept that brings gaming to a whole new level of immersion. Known as the “Future Immersive Entertainment Concept” (FIEC), this technology promises to allow players to experience games in ways never thought possible—by not just seeing and hearing the action, but also smelling it. Yes, you read that right: the Future Immersive Entertainment Concept lets players smell the world around them as they step into iconic PlayStation games like The Last of Us.
A Step Beyond Virtual Reality
The technology behind this concept involves a giant cube made of high-definition Crystal LED panels that surround players. Unlike virtual reality (VR) headsets, the cube offers an expansive, fully immersive experience through stunning visuals displayed on these panels. The system uses engaging audio, synchronized scents, and atmospheric elements to deepen the experience, making players feel like they’re truly inside the game world. Players in the demonstration were even given imitation weapons to interact with enemies, such as the terrifying clickers from The Last of Us, allowing them to shoot at the screens while also smelling the game’s decaying, spore-infested environment.
Smell the Apocalypse: Immersive Gaming with Scents
The demo featured a gameplay segment from The Last of Us, a beloved franchise by Naughty Dog. The inclusion of scents, such as the unmistakable smell of decay from the infected, pushes gaming immersion to a new level. Players could literally smell the rotting fungus as they took on the game’s challenges, adding a sensory layer that goes beyond anything seen before in gaming.
Though the technology was demonstrated using The Last of Us content, Sony’s concept is not limited to just this game. The Future Immersive Entertainment Concept could one day support a range of titles across PlayStation’s extensive portfolio. Imagine experiencing the wild environments of Horizon Zero Dawn or the mythical world of God of War, with all the smells, sounds, and sights designed to envelop the player completely.
This isn’t the first time Sony has pushed the boundaries of entertainment technology. The company has a long history of creating innovative and sometimes bizarre concepts, but the Future Immersive Entertainment Concept stands out due to its potential to revolutionize the way players experience games. The ability to smell the environment within a game isn’t something we typically associate with gaming, yet Sony is working on making it a reality for PlayStation players.
However, while the technology is certainly groundbreaking, it’s still in its early stages. As Sony has made clear, this is a proof-of-concept that shows what could be possible in the future, but it’s still years away from being available to the public. There are many hurdles to overcome, from perfecting the technology to determining how to make it accessible and affordable for everyday consumers. That said, Sony’s ambitions to expand its entertainment business mean this concept could become a reality someday, and with Sony’s strong portfolio of gaming franchises, it’s certainly something to watch.
The concept, demonstrated at CES 2025, allows players to experience more than just the visuals and sounds that traditional gaming offers. The addition of scents is a major step forward in creating a more visceral, lifelike experience. The technology uses synchronized scent dispensers that deliver unique smells based on the game world, such as the putrid stench of the infected in The Last of Us. This addition, while seemingly small, plays a significant role in how players engage with the game environment, making it feel more authentic and immediate.
It’s clear that Sony is committed to pushing the envelope when it comes to entertainment technology. The Future Immersive Entertainment Concept is just one example of how the company is exploring new ways to immerse players in virtual worlds. While the technology is still in its early stages, it’s easy to imagine how this kind of experience could transform gaming in the years to come.
Sony’s debut of this concept at CES 2025 may just be the beginning of a new era in gaming. With the ability to smell the game environment and engage with it in more profound ways, the lines between the digital world and reality are starting to blur. It remains to be seen how long it will take before this becomes a mainstream technology, but for now, it’s an exciting glimpse into what the future of gaming could look like.
Check out this video from Sony showcasing the technology and a proof-of-concept demo featuring assets from The Last of Us.
