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SOMA eye-tracking does scary things depending on where you're looking, no thanks, no sir

Ah ha ha ha! Absolutely not.

Cover image for YouTube video

Despite hailing from the team that brought us Amnesia: The Dark Descent, Frictional's SOMA is not really a strict horror game in the same tradition. Nevertheless it is more than capable of scaring the pants off you with its oppressive atmosphere, which is why this latest update is completely unnecessary and will probably result in deaths.

As you'll see in the video above, Frictional has added support for Tobii's eye tracking tech, which comes built into many a gaming laptop and monitor these days, to SOMA. Eye-tracking is an admirable way to increase immersion, and SOMA puts it to work in a variety of clever ways. Directing your flashlight beam, fine. Panning your view in response to your shifting gaze, fine.

S**t rolling around the place if you look away? Absolutely not fine. Why, Thomas Grip? Do you actually want me personally to die? There are easier ways to go about it.

The only thing that keeps me even close to calm in Frictional Games is the death grip I keep on the control pad or mouse and keyboard, carefully remaining completely conscious that it is my hand movements are what will trigger scary things happening in games. Taking tiny steps and glaring at every single object before proceeding further is my survival mechanic.

But now this tactic has been taken from me; even the unconscious shifting of my eyes may result in something horrible happening. This is an unspeakable torture and should probably be banned. I really have to get a Tobii monitor though. Maybe a new cardiac system also.

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Brenna Hillier avatar

Brenna Hillier

Contributor

Based in Australia and having come from a lengthy career in the Aussie games media, Brenna worked as VG247's remote Deputy Editor for several years, covering news and events from the other side of the planet to the rest of the team. After leaving VG247, Brenna retired from games media and crossed over to development, working as a writer on several video games.

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