Build Notes for Version 01.03.00

Highlights!

• Experience Nevermind’s biofeedback feature with no separate heart rate sensor!
• Augment Nevermind’s biofeedback with a heart rate sensor + new Affdex supported technology!
• Tobii Eye-Tracking functionality - with new, unique content!

Updates:

• New Feature: “Heart Rate Sensor-less” Emotion-Based Biofeedback
Powered by Affectiva’s Affdex technology, Nevermind can now pick up on emotion-based biofeedback via almost any standard webcam on a min-spec (or higher) Windows or Mac machine. This new technology works a little differently than the way heart rate sensors do in Nevermind. Affectiva’s emotion-sensing software watches facial expressions for signs of emotional reactions. The heart rate sensors, on the other hand, pick up indications of physiological reactions. This difference is important because it means that, when played with both Affdex and a heart rate sensor, the end result is something greater than when played with only one technology alone (more on that below). Even though each technology’s approach is unique, we’ve tuned our algorithm so that the in-game results are reasonably comparable for most users! Some players may find that they need to tune the sensitivity options (via the Option>Sensor screen) to find the perfect level of responsiveness. Affdex + Heart Rate Sensor If you already have a heart rate sensor, you can combine the power of physiological and emotion-based responsiveness to enjoy an incredibly accurate and reactive Nevermind biofeedback experience! By receiving input on two separate aspects of your unique response to each in-game moment, Nevermind will be able to be more sensitive and have fewer false positives (e.g., the game being unable to distinguish the difference between the excitement of clearing a maze from feelings of stress or fear via pulse alone). We’re eager to hear everyone’s thoughts on how this new technology is working for them so that we can tune Nevermind’s algorithms and improve the responsiveness even further. Let us know what you think by posting in the forums or emailing us at team@nevermindgame.com at any time.
• New Feature: Tobii Eye-Tracking Integration
Nevermind now supports eye tracking functionality through the very cool Tobii EyeX technology. When played with a Tobii EyeX eye tracking controller, you will be able to access some new features throughout the entire game as well as one or two brand new surprises within each level. For example, you’ll be able to do things like pause the game simply by closing your eyes (when things get too intense) or catch a glimpse of what’s around the corner simply by looking toward the edge of the screen. We will continue to tune and enhance the Tobii integration features in our upcoming updates over the next few weeks. As always, please let us know if you have any feedback! More about the Tobii EyeX technology can be found here: http://www.tobii.com/xperience/
• Upgrade: New TableSim Music
The TableSim room is now better than ever with music that will dynamically change depending on which room you end up in. If you haven’t had a chance to check out the TableSim NeuroSpa Room, now is a great time to give it a play and release some stress to the groove of a better-than-ever soundtrack!
• Upgrade: Performance Optimizations
We’ve made some more optimizations to help improve performance. If you’re playing on a min-spec machine (or above), you may notice some increased smoothness.
• Bug Fix: Client #251 “Car Maze”
Some of you found a semi-rare but nasty bug in the Car Maze in which the maze wouldn’t properly reload after leaving it (via a save/quit or taking too much damage and being returned to the “Yard” area). This bug has been fixed and shouldn’t create any more trouble. Many thanks to everyone who helped us get to the bottom of this bug and for everyone’s patience as we sorted it out.

• Camera-Based Technology: Optimal Conditions
Camera-based technology such as Affdex or RealSense can be influenced by environmental conditions such as lighting, location relative to the player, and objects in the background. If your camera-based technology hasn’t initialized after a few minutes into the game, please try the following: >>>Double-check to ensure sure your camera technology has a good, centered view of your face. Once the technology has initialized, you can refine your positioning further in the Options>Input screen. >>>Adjust the lighting in your room. Medium-strength overhead lights tend to work well. Lighting originating from the same height as your face (such as from a desk lamp) can sometimes prove to be problematic - especially if it is reflecting off of something like glasses or if a strong light falls on only one side of your face. >>>Ensure there are no other infrared emitting devices in close proximity of the camera technology and that reflective surfaces in the background are minimized.
• Device Cross-Compatibility
Many of our devices are compatible with each other and we encourage you to try Nevermind with Affdex powered emotion sensing technology and a heart rate sensor at the same time. However, some devices are mutually exclusive. Please visit www.nevermindgame.com/tech for the most up-to-date list of device cross-compatibility/incompatibility details.
• Windows 7 Support:
Nevermind is playable on Windows 7, although it is not fully supported. Windows 7 users may experience some instability.
• Companion App:
To support non-RealSense heart rate devices (e.g. The Mio, Garmin Chest Strap, etc.) on Windows 7, 8, 8.1, & 10 environments, Nevermind makes use of a small companion app called the Nevermind Heartrate Companion. This companion application is opened and closed by the game, and can be found as a taskbar icon next to the clock during play. This companion application uses network protocols to communicate with Nevermind. Because of this, the companion app may cause a security warning on Windows and/or some anti-virus software. We assure you this companion app is completely safe, and you can allow it access to the system's network. There are currently no plans or means to support Bluetooth heart rate devices on Windows 7.