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Burlington Game Developers Add Scent to Gaming Experiences
New technology allows gamers to smell their way into virtual worlds.
Published on Feb. 11, 2026
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Creators in Burlington, Vermont have developed a device called the Omara that can add scents to video games, allowing players to smell their way into digital environments. The technology, created by a company called OVR Technologies, uses a small cassette-like device that diffuses fragrances to enhance the sensory experience of gaming. Developers are working with 26 game studios to integrate scents into upcoming titles, with the goal of making gaming more immersive.
Why it matters
Adding scent to gaming experiences can create a more immersive and realistic virtual environment for players. Smell is a powerful sense that can evoke memories and emotions, and incorporating it into games has the potential to deepen player engagement and enjoyment.
The details
The Omara device sits atop computers and diffuses pleasant fragrances that are designed to match the in-game environments. For example, a Minecraft demo allowed players to smell flowers when approaching a virtual garden. Developers are exploring ways the technology could enhance gameplay, such as by adding scents to cooking games or open-world exploration. Feedback from gamers who tested the Omara suggests they would prefer the scent diffuser to be closer to the player for maximum effect.
- The Omara product is expected to be released this Fall.
- OVR Technologies took their team to zero gravity to grow their reach and learn from consumers.
The players
OVR Technologies
A company that has developed the Omara device, which can add scents to video games to enhance the sensory experience for players.
Sarah Socia
The Director of Fragrance Innovation at OVR Technologies, who is responsible for formulating the pleasant fragrances used in the Omara device.
Ryan Catania
A gamer who attended a feedback party for the Omara product and provided input on how the technology could be improved.
Caralyn Barrett
A gamer who attended a feedback party for the Omara product and suggested ideas for how the scent diffuser could be better integrated into gaming setups.
What they’re saying
“Scent can add immersion, can add new layers of gameplay, add new mechanics to their games.”
— Sarah Socia, Director of Fragrance Innovation (WCAX)
“When you're exploring an open world, because there's a lot of different environments that would smell different if it were real life.”
— Ryan Catania, Gamer (WCAX)
“If you could have something in a gaming chair that was maybe closer.”
— Caralyn Barrett, Gamer (WCAX)
What’s next
OVR Technologies is currently working with 26 game developers to integrate the Omara technology into upcoming titles, with the goal of bringing scent-enhanced gaming experiences to players this Fall.
The takeaway
Incorporating scent into video games has the potential to create more immersive and engaging gaming experiences for players. The Omara device developed by OVR Technologies demonstrates how sensory technology can be used to enhance virtual worlds and transport gamers to new digital realms.
