Compete virtually with real racers

AACHEN, Germany — Although most gamers are happy competing against fellow racers in an online forum, iOpener Media has created a system that uses GPS data to allow gamers in a virtual world to test their skills against real live racers.

"It's clear that the next trend in gaming is going to be bringing real objects into the virtual world; playing not against other gamers but people doing the real thing," said Andy Lurling, founder of iOpener Media, as quoted by BBC News.

Thanks to real-time GPS data that is transmitted to compatible game consoles and PCs, you are able to go head-to-head with famous drivers from the comfort of your living room couch. The differential GPS (DGPS) system uses a network of base stations to correct the GPS signal, which might normally only be accurate to 10 meters. The addition of an inertial measurement unit allows accurate location identification to closer than 30 centimeters, which is plenty for the gameplay seen on popular consoles like Sony's PS3 and Microsoft's Xbox 360.

Although iOpener has no intention of building the games, it will offer virtual-reality software that combines the two worlds by creating realistic overtaking maneuvers and in-game collisions.

Some flaws in the system include the fact that famous racers like Lewis Hamilton will never see you, so they won't have to react to what you are doing. Also, when you clip a car and smash headfirst into a wall, the real car that is actually on the track continues driving unscathed.

Expect to see this technology combined with other sports like biking, rowing, skiing and snowboarding sometime in the near future.

What this means to you: We can only hope that there are some talks between Polyphony Digital, the makers of the Gran Turismo series, and the developers of this groundbreaking technology. — Mike Lysaght, Correspondent