Video Game User Experience: To VR, or Not to VR?

Video games are popular as entertainment tools. Yet, they can also be used as tools for other activities, including relaxation and meditation. Virtual reality (VR) games have enhanced player experiences thanks to immersive applications, such as VR cinema, virtual browsing, and virtual spaces that can be used as an extension of the physical area. Among those applications, VR shows promise for relaxing and therapeutic applications. However, most of these applications position users in a passive interaction with their environment. This project explores if relaxation and mindfulness in VR can be achieved through active player engagement, where users directly control their character and provide input. Two versions of a relaxing video game were made: (1) a PC version where the player flies and explores natural landscapes in-game on a classical PC gaming setup (i.e., a monitor display, keyboard, and gamepad); (2) a VR version, where the game is played via head-mounted display (HMD), specifically the Oculus Quest. I used a brain-computer interface (BCI), specifically the "Emotiv Insight" Electroencephalography (EEG) headband, to record participants' brainwave activities while playing the game. Based on the results of my study, I found a statistically significant difference on both theta and alpha brainwave frequencies (i.e., the brainwaves that express relaxation and engagement) between the PC and VR versions of the game. Furthermore, I collected qualitative impressions of both the PC and VR games, where participants reported their subjective levels of relaxation after each version. The results of the survey show that participants experienced enhanced relaxations states in VR compared to PC. This thesis contributes empirical evidence that VR games can be used to further enhance relaxation states in players and show promise for applications in mindfulness and meditation through active player engagement.--Author's abstract

Purpose The present study explored participants’ experiences with and perceptions of using fully immersive head-mounted virtual reality (VR) gaming as rehabilitation after stroke. Methods Four men and three women (median age 64 years) with chronic stroke and varying motor impairment (mild to severe) were interviewed after 10 weeks of VR training on the commercial HTC Vive system, focusing on the upper extremities. Inductive qualitative thematic analysis was performed. Results The analysis revealed three main themes: playing the game, benefits and effects, and personalizing the game. Playing the game encompasses both the feeling of being immersed in the game and descriptions of the gaming being motivating and fun. Benefits and effects describe the participants’ expectations of potential benefits, the importance of getting feed-back, and the impact in daily life. Personalizing the game includes finding the right game and level, and the participants’ need for support to achieve full use of the training. Conclusions Participants with chronic stroke described the fully immersive VR gaming intervention as a fun and motivating way to improve their functioning in everyday life. Qualitative studies are needed to explore how people with stroke perceive VR gaming when it is implemented in real clinical environments. Clinical implications VR gaming was perceived as a positive and motivating rehabilitation after stroke. Getting feedback and perceiving benefits are essential parts of VR rehabilitation. Commercial fully immersive VR-games might be an option for stroke rehabilitation when the game can be personalized and support is available.

Virtual Reality (VR) applications are now widely applied in various scenarios and areas, such as tourism, education, manufacturing, and digital entertainment. Although there many different VR devices and platforms, e.g., HTC Vive, Oculus Rift and PS VR, the mobile VR based on smartphones and low-priced VR goggles are still the most popular VR platform for VR games and videos. However, many fundamental interaction techniques in mobile VR environment are still quite challenging. In this paper, we design and evaluate the usability of 3D selection technique in mobile VR environments. We evaluate the user performance on a selection task with different navigation speed settings and operation modes, and we then proposed a selection task performance model for 3D user interfaces in mobile VR environments based on Fitts' Law. The model indicates that the target distance from the 3D viewpoint has the most significant influence on selection time.

Virtual Reality (VR) technology has emerged as a transformative force in the realm of Human-computer interaction (HCI), offering novel applications and redefining user experiences. VR games have changed traditional electronic games, providing a human-computer interactive immersive gaming experience. In social media, VR innovative applications allow users to have an immersive conversation through various interactions, giving users a more immersive and real experience. The paper synthesizes recent research findings, highlighting key trends, challenges, and opportunities in the integration of VR into HCI and illustrates the embodiment of immersive experiences while using VR compared to the traditional way. At the same time, the challenges associated with VR technology such as motion sickness, accessibility concerns, ethical considerations, and medical challenges, are also discussed, offering a balanced perspective on the current state of the field. The future development perspective is also mentioned. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more immersive and interactive experiences that blur the lines between the physical and virtual worlds, offering users new ways to engage with digital content and each other.

Physical discomforts, such as sickness, experienced during virtual reality (VR) gaming were analyzed using electroencephalography (EEG). Correlations between the results of a survey on the physical discomforts felt during a head mounted 360° VR gaming and EEGs were analyzed. EEGs were measured using 19 electrodes before, during, and after VR gaming. The brain was categorized into eight regions and EEGs were analyzed for each region. After gaming, a questionnaire was completed, and correlations between the scores of nausea, ocular discomfort, and disorientation and EEGs were examined. Before and during VR, there were substantial changes in the absolute power and relative power bands depending on the region of interest. The analysis of correlations with the physical discomforts classified based on the questionnaire showed that the theta and beta waves from the occipital and temporal lobes exhibited significant correlations. The EEGs before and after VR gaming did not exhibit significant changes. In this study, a qualitative analysis on the physical discomforts occurring during VR was conducted based on EEG. We expect that EEG can be utilized in providing customized VR capable of minimizing physical discomforts by analyzing the EEG measured in real time and providing feedback to VR gaming.

Several studies compared the player experience of Virtual Reality (VR) games and non-VR games. However, there is a lack of research on the specific subject of VR and non-VR multiplayer games. Therefore, this work explores how implementing a multiplayer game in VR may influence the player experience compared to the non-VR alternative. We developed a short multiplayer puzzle game that can be played as a VR game or as a non-VR game. The player experience of the different game versions was evaluated by having players answer the Game Experience Questionnaire by IJsselsteijn et al. and the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire by Kennedy et al. after playing each version. The results showed that a majority of the aspects of player experience were rated significantly higher for the VR versions compared to the non-VR alternative. However, it was noted that two different VR versions fared differently compared to the non-VR alternative, and they scored vastly different when calculating a total simulator sickness score. We conclude that implementing similar multiplayer games in VR can improve the player experience, but care is required to achieve the best player experience in VR.

How much music contributes to player experience (PX) in virtual reality (VR) games remains unclear in the games user research literature. A core factor of PX in VR games that has not been studied before (in relation to audio or otherwise) is time perception. Thus, we provide the first empirical exploration of how music affects time perception in a VR game. In a user study (N=64), we investigated the effects of music on PX and time perception (operationalized as retrospective time estimation). Participants retrospectively perceived time to pass significantly quicker in the VR game when music was present, but reported no difference in PX components, including immersion. This contributes to ongoing discourse on the surprising lack of music effects in VR games. Moreover, our results highlight the need to re-conceptualize our understanding of the relationship between time perception and immersion in games.

Instead of traditional free movement, node-based movement can be used in virtual reality (VR) games. In node-based movement systems, players navigate by jumping to set locations. Node-based movement is similar to hypertext navigation. We show that the hypertext lostness measure can be used as a game analytic to evaluate navigational efficiency. In a randomized controlled trial with 25 adolescent participants, an immersive desktop game environment and a VR game environment were compared on the transmission of in-game educational content and navigational efficiency. Results show that the hypertext lostness measure is also valuable outside its original hypertext domain: in VR. VR did not improve players' retention of factual knowledge, but did significantly improve players' spatial knowledge and navigational efficiency. We conclude (a) the hypertext lostness measure is also valuable for node-based VR games and (b) VR games add to spatial learning, even when compared with already immersive desktop games.

Scientific knowledge of the differences between video games played in virtual reality and on desktop displays in terms of player experience is still limited. Therefore, this study aimed to explore differences in immersion, flow, positive emotions, and psychological needs (i.e., challenge, competence, and tension/annoyance) between a video game played in virtual reality and on a desktop display. Thirty young adults played a racing game in virtual reality (Driveclub VR) and desktop (Driveclub) conditions. The Game Experience Questionnaire was used to assess player experience. The results showed that (a) performance on the game was the same in virtual reality and desktop condition; (b) the video game played in virtual reality was able to elicit more intense positive emotions; (c) the sense of immersion and flow was greater in virtual reality as opposed to the desktop condition; and (d) the fulfillment of psychological needs was independent of the display modality.

Finding enjoyable and effective long-term approaches to rehabilitation for improving the upper limb (UL) function of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) is challenging. Virtual reality (VR) with its engagement, interaction, and real time feedback could be a solution, with immersive VR systems having preliminary evidence in stroke to be more effective in improving UL outcomes in comparison to non-immersive VR. However, immersive VR research is limited within the realm of MS rehabilitation. Therefore, the main aim of the PhD was to explore immersive VR as an approach for UL rehabilitation for people with MS (pwMS). This was achieved in four stages: 1) a systematic review of the current evidence for VR in UL rehabilitation in MS; 2) predevelopment focus groups to determine requirements for the development of bespoke immersive VR games; 3) software development of bespoke VR games to potentially improve UL function for pwMS; and 4) a feasibility study of the games and immersive VR for pwMS’ UL rehabilitation. The systematic review initially yielded ten articles with varying study design, VR intervention and UL outcome measures used. There were some statistically significant improvements after VR interventions in outcomes such as in nine-hole peg test (NHPT), hand grip strength and active range of motion. There were however conflicting results regarding if VR was more effective than conventional approaches. Whilst the review demonstrated there were positive results for VR improving UL function, most of the studies had small sample sizes and were inadequately powered, and the level of immersion on effectiveness in MS remains unknown. The predevelopment focus groups recruited ten pwMS and eight specialist clinicians to explore their views on immersive VR as an approach to UL rehabilitation and determine requirements to develop VR games for this purpose. PwMS commonly reported that their UL problems interfered with activities of daily living and resulted in the loss of meaningful hobbies such as writing. Many pwMS neglected UL exercise and found strategies for adapting to their UL impairments. Similarly, clinicians stated UL rehabilitation was neglected within their service and that it was challenging to find interesting treatment strategies. VR was suggested by both participant groups as a potential solution, as it was convenient for pwMS to access and could provide a more engaging and disguised approach to exercise. Although, there were shared concerns about cybersickness and disengagement while using VR approaches. Finally, both groups agreed games should be meaningful and adaptable for users but suggested different VR activities, with clinicians suggesting games directly reflecting activities of daily living and pwMS suggesting more abstract activities. Recommendations were made for the development of VR rehabilitation games which could be personalised and customisable for the varying abilities of pwMS. Using theme-based content analysis and requirement analysis, requirements for the software development of immersive VR games were created and developed using Unity game engine. Three games, “Piano”; “Catch-a-falling-star” and “VR Whack-a-mole” which targeted dexterity and strength for pwMS were developed, with different difficulty levels implemented to adapt to varying ability of pwMS. The final stage of this PhD was a randomised, controlled feasibility study to investigate an intervention of immersive VR involving the three co-produced games for pwMS’ UL rehabilitation. Participants were randomised to either an intervention group consisting of 30 minutes of VR co-produced games, twice/week, for eight weeks, or to a control group of usual care. Participants were recruited from the NHS and third sector organisations. Nineteen pwMS were recruited (intervention n=11, control n=8), with a recruitment rate of 3.2 participants/month. Only minor adverse events were reported (n=9), such as fatigue and UL pain. Adherence was good with 87% (±12%) session completed, and two dropouts were reported in the control group. There were positive trends for improving NHPT and hand grip strength, but there was an observed ceiling effect in the Action Research Arm Test. Participants reported high levels of satisfaction and good usability of the co-produced VR games, as measured by the USE questionnaire. Thematic analysis revealed participants enjoyed the distraction and atmospheres that immersive VR provided, and believed the games were fit for purpose with the majority of participants reporting improvements in their UL function. Participants suggested more variety and progression of exercises for future development. Overall, these studies show that immersive VR has the potential to be beneficial for UL rehabilitation and is feasible and safe for pwMS. Therefore, future work should refine VR games for long-term application and explore the clinical and cost effectiveness of this approach.

Phobias are characterized as the excessive or irrational fear of an object or situation, and specific phobias affect about 10% of the world population. Blood-injection-injury phobia is a specific phobia that has a unique physical response to phobic stimuli, that is, a vasovagal syncope that causes the person to faint. Phobos is a serious game intended for blood phobia treatment that was created to be played in virtual reality with an HTC Vive that has photorealistic graphics to provide a greater immersion. We also developed a console application in C# for electrocardiography sensor connectivity and data acquisition, which gathers a 1 min baseline reading and then has continuous data acquisition during gameplay. Usability tests were conducted with self-reported questionnaires and with a case study population of 10 testers, which gave insight into the previous game experience of the tester for both digital games and virtual reality games, evaluating the discomfort for hardware on both the sensor and the virtual reality headset, as well as the game regarding usability, user experience, level of immersion, and the existence of motion sickness and its source. The results corroborate that the immersion of the game is good, which suggests that it will help with triggering the phobia.

Virtual reality (VR) games are currently becoming part of the public-space entertainment (e.g., VR amusement parks). Therefore, VR games should be attractive for players, as well as for bystanders. Current VR systems are still mostly focused on enhancing the experience of the head-mounted display (HMD) users; thus, bystanders without an HMD cannot enjoy the experience together with the HMD users. We propose the "ReverseCAVE": a proof-of-concept prototype for public VR visualization using CAVE-based projection with translucent screens for bystanders toward a shareable VR experience. The screens surround the HMD user and the VR environment is projected onto the screens. This enables the bystanders to see the HMD user and the VR environment simultaneously. We designed and implemented the ReverseCAVE, and evaluated it in terms of the degree of attention, attractiveness, enjoyment, and shareability, assuming that it is used in a public space. Thus, we can make the VR world more accessible and enhance the public VR experience of the bystanders via the ReverseCAVE.

The fast growth of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) head-mounted displays provides a new medium for interactive visualisations and visual analytics. Presence is the experience of consciousness within extended reality, and it has the potential to increase task performance. This project studies the impact that a sense of presence has on data visualisation performance and user experience under AR and VR conditions. A within-subjects design recruited 38 participants to complete interactive visualisation tasks within the novel immersive data analytics system for genomic data in AR and VR, and measured speed, accuracy, preference, presence, and user satisfaction. Open-ended user experience responses were also collected. The results implied that VR was more conducive to efficiency, effectiveness, and user experience as well as offering insight into possible cognitive load benefits for VR users.

Virtual reality systems are complex and made of various parts. Since a person is an integral component of such systems, virtual reality technologies also have a cognitive aspect. As such, these technologies engage with the perceptual, attentional, and decision-making processes of users. Consequently, they can be considered cognitive tools. Thus, it is imperative to understand what people think of such environments. To take a step towards this understanding, textual reviews of virtual reality games made for entertainment were investigated using text mining methods. Thus, 1,635,919 textual reviews were scraped from the Steam digital video game distribution platform in the spring of 2023. The reviews were grouped by whether they were positive or negative. According to the results, the following conclusions can be made regarding virtual reality games: 1) Negative reviews are significantly longer than positive ones. 2) Negative reviews are written significantly earlier than positive ones, although no correlation was found between the review type and the playtime before writing the review. 3) The most frequent words and word correlations are different between review types since negative reviews are more focused on game mechanics and bugs. Due to the results, insights can be provided to virtual reality game developers to help them refine their games. Index Terms—computer games; game review; player experi ence; Steam; textual analysis Abstract—Virtual reality systems are complex and made of various parts. Since a person is an integral component of such systems, virtual reality technologies also have a cognitive aspect. As such, these technologies engage with the perceptual, attentional, and decision-making processes of users. Consequently, they can be considered cognitive tools. Thus, it is imperative to understand what people think of such environments. To take a step towards this understanding, textual reviews of virtual reality games made for entertainment were investigated using text mining methods. Thus, 1,635,919 textual reviews were scraped from the Steam digital video game distribution platform in the spring of 2023. The reviews were grouped by whether they were positive or negative. According to the results, the following conclusions can be made regarding virtual reality games: 1) Negative reviews are significantly longer than positive ones. 2) Negative reviews are written significantly earlier than positive ones, although no correlation was found between the review type and the playtime before writing the review. 3) The most frequent words and word correlations are different between review types since negative reviews are more focused on game mechanics and bugs. Due to the results, insights can be provided to virtual reality game developers to help them refine their games.

Video games and sport are an essential part in the life of millions of people. With recent advances of immersive virtual reality devices such as the HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, or PlayStation VR, the use of virtual environments (VE) for exergames is becoming more and more popular. An exergame combines a physical activity with video game elements by tracking body movements or reactions of user, attempting to engage users in a more enjoyable system. In this paper, we present the results of a subjective experiment carried out with the aim to compare different kinds of virtual environments with each other. A rowing ergometer, connected either to a virtual reality system using a head-mounted display (HMD) or to a CAVE environment, was used as an exergame device. While for rowing experts, fitness and performance improvements are of major interest, we wanted to focus on the motivation and engagement of non-professionals. By means of a series of questionnaires and a follow-up interview, the Quality of Experience of participants using the system was assessed. Measurements include concepts such as flow, presence, video quality and well-being. Results show significant advantages of the HMD as well as of the CAVE compared to a system without a VE for the overall quality, system feedback, and flow. While the CAVE and HMD system mainly differed in their autotelic experience, the HMD was favored by the majority of participants due to a superior feeling of presence.