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VR Game Design & Development
11. Guidelines for VR Games (Adapted from [11])
11.1. Perceptual Design Guidelines
11.1.1. Use visual or auditory attraction points to get the attention of the user.
11.1.2. Account for individual differences by including both new and experienced VR users in playtesting.
11.1.3. Use visual illusions on models while minimizing polygon count for performance efficiency.
11.1.4. To convey depth effectively in a scene, use depth cues. Elements like visual style, the level of realism, and the field of view significantly influence how these cues are perceived. Auditory, haptic or visual cues can be used.
11.1.5. Use colors to evoke different emotions. For example, red for danger, green for hazards, and blue for safety.
11.1.6. Provide consistency for sensory cues. For example, gunshot animation with matching sound or haptic feedback
11.1.7. Scale environments to influence user emotions, smaller spaces feel intense, while larger ones feel calming.
11.1.8. Use binaural audio and differentiate indoor vs. outdoor sounds to facilitate immersion.
11.2. Interactional Design Guidelines
11.2.1. Design interactions that align with real-world behaviors.
11.2.2. Maintain consistent interaction patterns across all game levels to support player orientation.
11.2.3. Use clear, noticeable signifiers to guide interaction, but avoid cluttering the interface with too many cues.
11.2.4. Apply constraints thoughtfully to help guide user behavior. They can be either realistic or unrealistic.
11.2.5. Provide feedback to confirm actions but avoid excessive use that could overwhelm the player.
11.3. Navigational Design Guidelines
11.3.1. Choose the appropriate navigation method early in the game design process.
11.3.2. Conduct playtests with both new and experienced VR users to identify and reduce motion sickness, as its effects vary between individuals.
11.3.3. Design levels at the reach of the player. For larger areas, implement teleportation or steering methods. Consider the physical effort of walking-in-place and the tracking area for the real walking method.
11.3.4. Incorporate fade-in and fade-out effects during teleportation to reduce disorientation.
11.3.5. Add signifiers (such as beams, arrows, or squares) to guide users to teleportation targets.
11.3.6. Use rotational constraints in steering methods to reduce motion sickness.
11.3.7. Maintain constant movement speed and apply quick acceleration/deceleration only at the start and end of the navigation to avoid motion sickness.
12. VR Game Design: Pillars of Universal Design (Adapted from [12])
12.1. Equitable Use - Designers must consider individuals with motor, cognitive, visual, auditory, or speech impairments from the start of a project.
12.2. Flexibility in Use - Support diverse control schemes (e.g., keyboard/mouse, two handed controllers, Xbox controllers) to accommodate user preferences and physical capabilities.
12.3. Simple and Intuitive Use - Replicate users' familiar tools and movements in VR, such as prosthetics or wheelchair joysticks, to enhance comfort and usability.
12.4. Perceptible Information - Use lighting, spatial cues, audio, haptic feedback and subtitles to ensure content is immersive and accessible to all users.
12.5. Tolerance for Error - Devices should support uneven input by using signal smoothing and customizable sensitivity settings to enhance comfort and accessibility for users.
12.6. Low Physical Effort - VR systems should minimize physical effort and support a wide range of accessible input methods, including eye and hand tracking, adaptive and custom controllers, and foot-operated devices, to accommodate diverse physical abilities and preferences.
12.7. Size and Space for Approach and Use - Design VR experiences with appropriate size and space to accommodate all users' body sizes, postures, and mobility by selecting suitable tracking methods, Room Scale for walking users with limb differences, Front Facing for seated users with upper limb differences, and Inside Out for wheelchair users.
13. UI Best Practices for VR Unity Games (Adapted from [13])
13.1. Intuitive menus, responsive buttons, and spatial cues can guide users within the virtual environment.
13.2. VR games can take advantage of 3D features—like depth, perspective, and parallax—to boost immersion and player engagement.
13.3. Adding haptic feedback and sound effects to the UI enhances sensory experience. Haptics simulate real-world sensations through vibrations or pressure, while sound provides auditory cues and enhances immersion.
13.4. A minimalist UI approach, which emphasizes functionality over decorative elements, is recommended for Unity VR games, promoting intuitive interaction and easier access to content.
| Finding | Description |
|---|---|
| A strong link exists between effective UI design and positive user experience in Unity VR games | Effective UI design greatly influences the overall user experience in VR games. This highlights the importance of investing in UI design. |
| Clear and intuitive navigation plays a key role in improving user experience in VR games | Navigation is a key element of user experience in VR games. When the UI is hard to navigate, users can become frustrated and lose interest in the game. |
| Consistent use of color schemes supports a positive user experience in VR games | Using consistent colors helps build a cohesive and visually pleasing UI, which leads to better user experience. |
| Proper utilization of 3D space is essential for enhancing the user experience in VR games | VR games provide a special opportunity to use 3D space in UI design. When used correctly, 3D elements can boost immersion and user engagement. |
14. Best Practices for VR Games (Adapted from [14])
14.1. For Authenticity 14.1.1. Define the scope of the experience and ensure that authenticity directly supports the intended learning outcomes.
14.1.2. Involve experts in the relevant field to shape the design and guide the learning objectives.
14.1.3. Control cognitive load by tailoring the complexity of the VR experience to the learning goals.
14.1.4. Take advantage of the capabilities of VR to create both authentic environments and actions that increase the sense of presence and user control.
14.1.5. A realistic and engaging storyline can both motivate users to engage with the experience and facilitate learning within the game.
14.2. For Interactivity
14.2.1. VR design promotes high engagement with the content and supports embodied learning.
14.2.2. Providing varied interaction with the content allows for effective manipulation and exploration.
14.2.3. Ensure that interaction serves a clear educational purpose.
14.2.4. Topics involving spatial understanding or relationships in 3D space are well-suited to VR's immersive environment.
14.2.5. The 3D nature of VR helps users practice and develop spatial abilities, regardless of their prior experience.
14.3. For Collaboration
14.3.1. Distribute information so all players can contribute meaningfully, encouraging interdependence and enhancing both engagement and enjoyment.
14.3.2. Collaborative problem-solving in VR supports learning across diverse backgrounds and experience levels.
14.3.3. VR collaboration allows for visible interaction, enabling learners and educators to reflect on and analyze group problem-solving processes.
14.3.4. Dividing roles in collaborative VR helps reduce individual cognitive load by allowing players to share complex tasks.
15. Movement Best Practices (Adapted from [15])
15.1. Guide the player to points of interest to ease the feeling of getting lost and maintain a sense of exploration.
15.2. Favor a circular environment design to promote spatial awareness.
15.3. Reward player exploration by placing interesting content off the main path.
15.4. Allow players to exit uncomfortable or scary areas to reduce panic, motion sickness and accidents.
15.5. Let interactive elements come to the player to maintain engagement.
15.6. Maintain a respectable distance between characters and the player to preserve comfort.
16. Avatar Guidelines for Accessibility (Adapted from [16])
Guideline G0. Support Disability Representation in Social VR Avatars Around 1.3 billion people globally experience significant disabilities, making up about 16% of the world population. It's vital to ensure PWD (People with Disabilities) are represented in emerging platforms like social VR, especially where avatars are used.
G1. Avatar Body Appearance
| Guideline | Description |
|---|---|
| G1.1 Use full-body avatars as default to enable diverse disability representation for different body parts | Offer a full-body avatar option. Avatars should begin as full-body by default to allow users to customize their avatars more inclusively. |
| G1.2 Allow for flexible customization of body parts in contrast to using non-adjustable avatar templates | Avatar creation tools should allow PWD to adjust each individual body component. This includes avatar height, body shape, limbs, and facial features to match users' needs. |
| G1.3 Make sure human avatars emphasize the "humanity" rather than the "disability" aspect of identity | Offer human avatar options in social VR applications whenever possible. |
| G1.4 Include non-human avatar options to support stigma-free identity expression | In addition to human avatars, platforms should offer non-human options so users can express themselves freely. |
G2. Dynamics
| Guideline | Description |
|---|---|
| G2.1 Allow simulation or tracking of disability-related actions based on user preference | Users should have the option to control whether behaviors related to their disability are tracked in social VR. |
| G2.2 Enable facial expression animations to deliver invisible status | Avatar systems should support a range of facial expressions, allowing users to communicate emotions and potentially reveal invisible disabilities. |
| G2.3 Focus on equal access and function over strict realism | VR platforms should ensure consistent functionality across avatars, regardless of disability-related features or behaviors. |
G3. Assistive Technology Design
| Guideline | Description |
|---|---|
| G3.1 Include a broad range of assistive technology to cover a wide range of disabilities | Avatars should support multiple assistive tools commonly used by PWD, including mobility aids, prosthetics, visual and auditory devices, and health-monitoring wearables. |
| G3.2 Allow customizability of assistive technology for personalized disability representation | Users should be able to personalize their assistive tools in the avatar, including the color or decorations of the assistive technologies. |
| G3.3 Ensure that the simulated assistive devices are realistic and high-quality to present disability respectfully and avoid misuse | Assistive devices in avatars should appear authentic to avoid misunderstanding or misuse, no matter the avatar style |
| G3.4 Allow dynamic interactions with assistive technology to demonstrate the liveliness of PWD | VR systems should allow users to interact with their assistive tools in lifelike ways that reflect real-world functionality and user experience. |
| G3.5 Make sure assistive technologies do not overshadow the avatar body | Assistive devices should fit the body size rather than overpowering the body. |
G4. Peripherals
| Guideline | Description |
|---|---|
| G4.1 Provide suitable icons, logos, and slogans that reflect disability communities | Users should be able to add well-known icons and slogans to their avatars that represent different disability groups and affirm their identity. |
| G4.2 Use the avatar's surroundings to present disabilities | Developers should use the avatar's surrounding elements to express disability, especially for those with invisible conditions. |
G5. Interface
| Guideline | Description |
|---|---|
| G5.1 Spread disability features across the avatar interface instead of gathering them in a specialized category | Disability expression avatar features should be treated just like other avatar features. |
| G5.2 Use continuous controls for high-granularity customization | Avatar interfaces should use input controls with continuous range of options for more flexible customization. |
| G5.3 Offer a simple way to activate or deactivate disability-related features | There should be an easy way to allow people to activate or deactivate disability features as needed. |
17. Best Practices to Minimize Addiction in VR (Adapted from [17])
17.1. Use nudge to encourage the player to take breaks without interfering with immersion.
17.2. Implement user statistics like time to inform the user of the time spent in the game.
17.3. Mobile collocation promotes socialization while maintaining engagement with the content.
17.4. Replacing persuasive elements with personalized alternatives to persuade users to consider alternative approaches.
17.5. Trigger enforcement for the user by an external observer, preferably someone close to the user like a family member.
17.6. Implement adaptive aesthetics to trigger unpleasant feelings in the user and persuade them to stop playing.
17.7. Use a persuasive avatar to make the player uncomfortable and break the flow of the game.
17.8. Present real-world data in the virtual environment to inform users of their surroundings.
17.9. Implement a time limit for application usage.
[11] G. Çatak, S. Zafer Masalci, and S. Şenyer, “A Guideline Study For Designing Virtual Reality Games” AJIT-E Online Acad. J. Inf. Technol., vol. 11, no. 43, pp. 12–36, Dec. 2020, doi: 10.5824/ajite.2020.04.001.x.
[12] M. Dombrowski, P. A. Smith, A. Manero, and J. Sparkman, “Designing Inclusive Virtual Reality Experiences” in Virtual, Augmented and Mixed Reality. Multimodal Interaction, vol. 11574, J. Y. C. Chen and G. Fragomeni, Eds., in Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol. 11574. , Cham: Springer International Publishing, 2019, pp. 33–43. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-21607- 8_3.
[13] B. Anuyahong, “Exploring the Impact of User Interface Design on User Experience in Unity VR Games” 2023, doi: 10.26438/ijsrcse.
[14] A. Wang, M. Thompson, C. Uz-Bilgin, and E. Klopfer, “Authenticity, Interactivity, and Collaboration in Virtual Reality Games: Best Practices and Lessons Learned” Front. Virtual Real., vol. 2, p. 734083, Oct. 2021, doi: 10.3389/frvir.2021.734083.
[15] L. Ap Cenydd and C. J. Headleand, “Movement Modalities in Virtual Reality: A Case Study from Ocean Rift Examining the Best Practices in Accessibility, Comfort, and Immersion” IEEE Consum. Electron. Mag., vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 30–35, Jan. 2019, doi: 10.1109/MCE.2018.2867971.
[16] K. Zhang et al., “Inclusive Avatar Guidelines for People with Disabilities: Supporting Disability Representation in Social Virtual Reality” Feb. 13, 2025, arXiv: arXiv:2502.09811. doi: 10.48550/arXiv.2502.09811.
[17] F. D. Puspitasari and L.-H. Lee, “Review of Persuasive User Interface as Strategy for Technology Addiction in Virtual Environments” in 2022 IEEE International Symposium on Mixed and Augmented Reality Adjunct (ISMAR-Adjunct), Singapore, Singapore: IEEE, Oct. 2022, pp. 44–54. doi: 10.1109/ISMAR-Adjunct57072.2022.00019.