Using In Death: Unchained as case to investigate embodiment-related elements in VR game design

Abstract

The research focuses on the concept of embodiment in VR game design, which is a trending topic in VR theories and applications. Currently, other investigations focus on a more broad term of VR products or a specific category of VR games, which ignores the importance of embodiment in generic VR game design. This research focuses on various approaches towards embodiment and uses the VR game In Death: Unchained as an example to demonstrate those approaches' application, effect, and limitations. To begin with, the virtual environment on embodiment in VR games like In Death will be examined, the same as the usage of players’ actions and haptic feedback designed to increase the sense of presence. Next, the limitation of VR games will be listed after comparing with other VR projects from Meta or Google, which undermine the embodiment of VR games. finally, this research is looking forward to the future and trend of development in VR games' embodiment.