While running backwards is a popular
tactic in FPS games, it's one that is obviously completely unrealistic. I think given that this is a virtual reality device, it's more likely to be used for more realistic games that wouldn't require backwards running.
If it's a fun and intuitive device, it seems likely it will be used for all sorts of games, even those that are completely unrealistic...
[My impression is that the running backward technique is profitable largely due to limitations on user control and enemy AI, and those are probably not going to go away any time soon (even if developers might really want to make a game that feels realistic, it's, well, hard :)...]
If by realistic games You mean "Jogging In The Park Simulator 2013" then i guess it's perfect. This could be a nice device to try out on some gaming expo but i think most gamers will be disappointed with the lack of actions they can perform in it.
Yeah, strafing and walking backwards at least you can do. How would you crouch and go prone for example?
And I wonder how good you would be able to aim with Omni, that's gonna be a deciding factor.
This isn't intended to be the Holodeck - but it's a step in the right direction.
For that matter, how would you represent a jump?
That said, I'd use the hell out of it for a game like Skyrim, or other open world environments. And it can be so much more than that, .e.g. ocean/space environments for instance.
The gameplay is secondary - there are a lot of motions that can't be expressed well using this device (although with the kinect, you can unlock a lot of arm motions - good for sword play, I'd wager) - but it's superb for walking in fantasy environments.
Given sufficiently low friction, there should actually be very little force exerted on the belt. Some sort of larger harness might be an option if it does become an issue.
A diaper-like seat would be a nice addition. With that kind of support user could be waving his legs forwards, backwards and even sideways with little to no problem.