South Park brings smell-o-vision and (more) farts to Gamescom

Leave it to South Park to turn virtual reality and an appearance at Gamescom into a chance to make fart jokes.

Instead of summarizing, I’ll leave the full unveiling to Ubisoft’s press release:

COLOGNE, Germany – August 17, 2016 – Today, Ubisoft announced the Nosulus Rift, a unique experience exclusively compatible with the South Park: The Fractured But Whole video game. This device, only available during conventions and not for sale, takes virtual reality to a whole new level by allowing players to enjoy South Park: The Fractured But Whole in the most immersive way possible. A new perception through a sense that has never been tickled in gaming before, the sense of smell. To smell what exactly? Farts, obviously.

In case you dismiss this as a silly joke, know that the Nosulus Rift does actually exist.

The odor virtual reality mask was developed by Productman, a division of ad agency Buzzman. The group worked with various experts, according to the press release, including the famous French perfume specialist Isabelle Ferrand.

"The fully functional mask makes use of sensors activated through inaudible soundwaves from the in-game fart sound to trigger the odor’s puff. Each time the sensors are activated, a smell will be released meticulously and without mercy," according to the press release.

The Nosulus Rift was unveiled today at Gamescom and will be available for nose-on impressions through Aug. 21. The hardware will also make an appearance at PAX West next month.

South Park: The Fractured But Whole will be available on December 6th, 2016 as a digital download and at retailers on Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and Windows PC.

Now, sit back and relax as you watch professionals, some at the top of their career, discuss the artistry of recreating farts for player consumption.