Virtual Reality: Creating a New Game Inspired by Successful Previous Games

Abstract

Virtual reality (VR) as a gaming platform is a relatively new technology but has nevertheless quickly generated its own unique take on video games. This project examines some issues common to developing games in general, like the uncanny valley, as well as those specific to VR, such as virtual reality sickness. A number of commercially and critically successful games are then examined to identify the factors that contribute to their success. Some of these factors are then applied in the creation of an entirely new VR game, impacting the game in areas of game mechanics, visual elements, and overall genre. This game aims to create an innovative style of play using game mechanics that rely on the movement of VR controllers, as opposed to controlling with button pressing, to take full advantage of the immersive nature of VR.