Invisible Walls
Michael Lankes, Jüergen Hagler, Georgi Atanasov Kostov, Jeremiah Diephuis · 2017
This paper investigates the effects of the virtual players' (VR) representation and verbal communication regarding co-presence in a co-located and playful augmented virtuality (AV) installation for multiple participants. We examine if the incorporation/exclusion of the visualization of the VR players' hands and the absence/presence of verbal communication influences the perceived co-presence. To find answers to our research question, we created an experimental setting called Invisible Walls. Within the installation, players and spectators have various means of interaction at their disposal. Our study findings show a positive impact of the VR player's representation on the perceived co-presence. However, due to the experimental setup, verbal communication did not have the anticipated effect. With these findings we endeavor to reduce the gap between the VR player and the spectators and provide insights for game designers and researchers regarding the inclusion of nonverbal and verbal communication in co-located AV settings.