Can You Make the Cut? Exploring the Effect of Frequency of Cuts in Virtual Reality Storytelling

Abstract

Straight cuts are a storytelling tool that is used to direct the viewer’s attention towards the main events of the plot. This research evaluated the effect of the frequency of straight cuts that are controlled by the system (rather than by the viewer) on the viewer’s experience of VR (i.e., presence, immersion, sense of agency, simulator sickness, and enjoyment). We used both quantitative (online questionnaire) and qualitative (semi-structured interviews) methods to examine the viewer’s experience and understanding of a one-minute long VR movie in three versions (i.e., 15 cuts/minute; 8 cuts/minute; no cuts). The study illustrates that sense of agency, enjoyment, and understanding of the story are the main aspects of the viewer’s experience in VR that are influenced by straight cuts. Also, straight cuts focus viewers on events in the story, which in turn helps them understand the plot better. However, the number of cuts must be balanced so that viewers do not feel a lack of sense of agency. Finally, the study highlights that the users’ experience is a result of a dynamic interplay between different facets such as narrative immersion, sense of agency, and presence.