Embedding virtual environments into the physical world: memorability and co-presence in the context of pervasive location-based games

Abstract

Realistic 3D virtual environments, such as existing city models, have the potential to be used in pervasive games as a passageway between physical and virtual. Smooth attention displacement and transitions between these two realities are largely unexplored in the context of pervasive gameplay. We conducted two field trials using a pervasive live action role playing game to study the effect moving between the virtual and the physical has on co-presence and memorability. Although differences in co-presence during gameplay were small, they highlight the subtleties in the social structuring of pervasive gameplay. Spatial similarity between the physical and virtual environments made the 3D virtual environments more memorable. We identify two important issues to consider in embedding virtual environments into pervasive games: structuring of social interactions and the spatial realism of the VEs.

Dimensions of Interactive Pervasive Game Design: Systematic Review

“…Smooth attention shifts and transitions between these 2 realities are largely unexplored in the context of pervasive games. Alavesa et al [ 19 ] conducted 2 field experiments using a pervasive live-action role-playing game to investigate the effects of transitions between the web-based and physical environments on coexistence and memorability. Although there were few differences in copresence during play, they highlighted the subtleties in the social structure of the universal game.…”

“…Touchless interaction is then used in designing the interactive interface and physical user interface of pervasive games [33,38]. Finally, scholars have mostly studied pervasive games combined with AR [16,[19][20][21]30,42]. Furthermore, it can be seen that the technological development factor in the interaction design of pervasive games is influenced.…”