| dc.description.abstract | How the player is guided through the video game, through guidance techniques, such as tutorials and
highlighting of important objects (i.e., visual salience), can influence their experience. Establishing the
effect of these guidance techniques, particularly for a developing medium such as virtual reality (VR), is
necessary to understand how they might influence player experience. In addition, to investigate how they
should be designed and when they should be introduced, to provide the most fruitful player experience.
Throughout this study, a VR horror-adventure game which captures the most common interfaces is
created. The game is tested (n = 12) with both experts and novices of VR, evaluating both the objectivity
and subjectivity of these interfaces through multiple methods. Providing both quantitative and qualitative
data to compare the effect these interfaces have on the player experience. Results from the study indicate
the efficiency of tutorials are influenced by when and how it’s introduced, in addition to its positioning
and duration. Tutorials should be introduced in an interactive sequence, which clearly depicts the action
in question, highlighted on the controller itself. Furthermore, tutorials should stay close to the center of
the player’s screen, whilst not being removed until the player has performed the specified action. Results
indicate that visual salience, represented through a blue glow, drew the player’s attention, whilst not
disturbing the immersion and experience. In addition, improving the player experience by preventing
negative emotions, such as frustration. Overall, the findings highlight that guidance techniques improved
the player experience, regardless of experience with VR. | |
