Heist Extravaganza: A Design Framework and Exemplars of Asymmetric Virtual Reality Controllers Based on Player Profiles

Virtual Reality provides immersive experiences to players but can be limiting for bystanders and spectators. Asymmetric Virtual Reality (AVR) allows these people to join in on the game in a more social setting. In addition, this affords gameplay differentiation based on player motivation types. Although several frameworks for AVR exist, it is unclear how to design different interactions to improve social presence from the perspective of player types. Taking Yee’s Gamer Motivation Model as a basis, we investigated existing alternative game controllers and performed a small-scale co-design session with a VR game developer. Through this we arrive at five dimensions for AVR gameplay interactions: Immersive, Energetic, Precise, Explorative and Strategic. We developed an exemplar game called Heist Extravaganza, where each dimension is translated into a specific role and associated interface. A preliminary evaluation shows promise of the different roles and design implications are subsequently discussed.