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The Slippery Path to Total Presence: How Omnidirectional Virtual Reality Treadmills Influence the Gaming Experience

Author

Listed:
  • Lars-Ole Wehden

    (Department of Communication, University of Muenster, Germany)

  • Felix Reer

    (Department of Communication, University of Muenster, Germany)

  • Robin Janzik

    (Department of Communication, University of Muenster, Germany)

  • Wai Yen Tang

    (Department of Communication, University of Muenster, Germany)

  • Thorsten Quandt

    (Department of Communication, University of Muenster, Germany)

Abstract

Researchers, game designers, and consumers place great hopes into the potential benefits of virtual reality (VR) technology on the user experience in digital games. Indeed, initial empirical research has shown that VR technology can improve the gaming experience in a number of ways compared to traditional desktop gaming, for instance by amplifying immersion and flow. However, on the downside, a mismatch between physical locomotion and the movements of the avatar in the virtual world can also lead to unpleasant feelings when using VR technology—often referred to as cybersickness. One solution to this problem may be the implementation of novel passive repositioning systems (also called omnidirectional treadmills) that are designed to allow a continuous, more natural form of locomotion in VR. In the current study, we investigate how VR technology and the use of an omnidirectional treadmill influence the gaming experience. Traditional desktop gaming, VR gaming, and omnidirectional treadmill gaming are compared in a one-factorial experimental design (N = 203). As expected, we found that VR gaming on the one hand leads to higher levels of flow, presence, and enjoyment, but at the same time also is accompanied by higher levels of cybersickness than traditional desktop gaming. The use of the omnidirectional treadmill did not significantly improve the gaming experience and also did not reduce cybersickness. However, this more physically demanding form of locomotion may make omnidirectional treadmills interesting for exergame designers.

Suggested Citation

  • Lars-Ole Wehden & Felix Reer & Robin Janzik & Wai Yen Tang & Thorsten Quandt, 2021. "The Slippery Path to Total Presence: How Omnidirectional Virtual Reality Treadmills Influence the Gaming Experience," Media and Communication, Cogitatio Press, vol. 9(1), pages 5-16.
    • Handle: RePEc:cog:meanco:v:9:y:2021:i:1:p:5-16
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Marko Siitonen & Teresa de la Hera & Felix Reer, 2021. "Looking Ahead in Games Research: Entry Points into a Pragmatic Field of Inquiry," Media and Communication, Cogitatio Press, vol. 9(1), pages 1-4.
    2. Nan, Dongyan & Lee, Haein & Kim, Yerin & Kim, Jang Hyun, 2022. "My video game console is so cool! A coolness theory-based model for intention to use video game consoles," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 176(C).

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