A prominent figure in the virtual reality industry has unveiled a provocative concept for a VR headset that blurs the line between digital and physical consequences. The device, dubbed "OQPNVG," is designed to terminate the user's life if they experience a game-over scenario in the virtual world.

The creator, known for founding a major VR company, detailed the concept in a blog post titled "If you die in the game, you die in real life." He explained his interest in "connecting one's real existence to their virtual avatar," arguing that this approach forces users to reconsider their interactions within virtual environments and with other players.

"While enhanced graphics can improve a game's visual realism, only the possibility of genuine repercussions can make a game truly feel authentic to you and every other participant," the inventor wrote.

The inspiration for this unsettling device reportedly came from the anime series "Sword Art Online," which features a fictional VR headset capable of ending a player's life through a direct neural interface.

Describing the technical aspects, the creator explained:

"The device incorporates three explosive modules typically used in another project. These are connected to a specialized photosensor that detects specific red-screen flashes, simplifying game-over integration for developers. When the appropriate game-over screen appears, the charges activate, instantly terminating the user's brain function."

The inventor also mentioned plans for an anti-tampering mechanism to prevent users from removing the headset before completing the game. However, he acknowledged potential flaws that could lead to unintended activation, which is why he has not personally tested the device. He suggested that "the final activation should be linked to a highly intelligent system" to ensure proper game termination.

While the creator claims the device is currently just a conceptual piece, the ultimate goal is to make it impossible to remove once worn.

This dystopian concept raises serious ethical concerns. It's crucial to remember that the appeal of video games lies in the ability to fail multiple times and eventually succeed. With the OQPNVG concept, game over would equate to life over.

The VR pioneer sold his company to a major tech corporation in 2014 for $2 billion but was later dismissed in March 2017.