Feels like team spirit: Biometric and strategic interdependence in asymmetric multiplayer vr games

Abstract

Virtual reality (VR) multiplayer games increasingly use asymmetry (e.g., diferences in a person's capability or the user interface) and resulting interdependence between players to create engagement even when one player has no access to a head-mounted display (HMD). Previous work shows this enhances player experience (PX). Until now, it remains unclear whether and howan asymmetric game design with interdependences creates comparably enjoyable PX for both an HMD and a non-HMD player. In this work, we designed and implemented an asymmetric VR game (diferent in its user interface) with two types of interdependence: strategic (diference in game information/player capability) and biometric (diference in player's biometric infuence). Our mixed-methods user study (N=30) shows that asymmetries positively impact PX for both player roles that interdependence strongly afects players' perception of agency, and that biometric feedback-while subjective-is a valuable game mechanic.