Self-Transforming Controllers for Virtual Reality First Person Shooters

Immersive technologies push the boundaries of virtual reality games. In particular, input controllers play an important role for such a player experience. With regard to first-person shooters, a well-crafted controller that resembles its virtual counterpart can increase the feeling of presence. Though controllers often resemble gun handles or even two-handed rifles, the in-game weapon switching is not reflected in the physical controller. That is, swapping a tiny blaster for a big laser rifle does not alter the haptics and the behavior of the device, restricting the feeling of presence. Our contribution closes that gap and enhances the player experience by introducing the concept of a self-transforming controller. The controller adapts to the current virtual weapon by transforming between a pistol-like controller and a two-handed rifle-like device. We evaluated the concept by comparing the self-transforming controller to a state-of-the-art device. The results show a significant improvement in the player experience in terms of appearance, authenticity, efficiency, experienced realism, and flow.