How Virtual Spaces Re-render the Perception of Reality through Playful Augmentation

Abstract

In this article we are going to explore a fundamental problem of modern virtual spaces in so called location-based games: annihilation of space through augmentation. Augmentation re-shapes the perception of the real object in space (which is not originally part of the game) by making it an active element of the game, i.e. it utilizes the object (and furthermore the surrounding space) and thus frees it of its original meaning and utility. Furthermore, it gets incorporated into the artificial (virtual) space and acquires two new properties: it becomes interactive and as a result, interchangeable. The perception of reality thus gets augmented at the same time as it gets reduced to the bare minimum of information needed to reach the goal of the game. Space becomes efficient and therefore loses its uniqueness and identity, with effects on the user's very own perception of reality.