As I made my way into Gehn’s Laboratory, I was ecstatic to see all the interesting tools and scientific gadgets lying around. I’d read Ghen’s notes nearly 30 years ago now and couldn’t wait to find out what else was cooking in the eclectic tower of mysteries from my memory.
(Image credit: Cyan)
Classic and Modern Don’t Always Gel
The problem is that most of the tools and gadgets found in the tower are as static as the visuals from the 27-year-old original release. An adventure puzzle game like Riven typically thrives on only allowing users to interact with what’s necessary in order to keep the player from feeling confused or lost along the way. After all, who wants to pick up a random screwdriver that has no actual use in the game? That’s just a recipe for frustration.
Most of the tools and gadgets found in the tower are as static as the visuals from the 27-year-old original release.
As a VR gamer, I’ve become accustomed to picking up anything and everything I see lying about in a game’s world, even if there is no purpose. See a pot? I’ve definitely got to smash it. How about a ball? I’ll be throwing it as far as humanly possible to see what it can hit. Being physically present in a world—even if that physicality is virtual—makes me want to be a part of that world and interact with it.
(Image credit: Android Central)
Redesigning Mechanics for VR Gaming
Virtually any genre can work as a VR game, but mechanics need to be redesigned around VR’s inherent enhanced interaction paradigms. The transition from traditional gaming to VR gaming requires developers to rethink how players engage with their environments. This shift is not just about adding more interactive elements; it’s about creating an immersive experience that feels natural and intuitive.
For instance, in VR gaming, the tactile feedback of picking up objects or manipulating tools and gadgets can significantly enhance immersion. Developers must consider how these interactions contribute to the overall gameplay experience. A well-designed VR game will make players feel like they are truly part of the world, encouraging them to explore and interact with their surroundings in meaningful ways.
The challenge lies in balancing the complexity of interactions with the need to keep players focused on their objectives. Too many unnecessary interactions can lead to confusion and frustration, detracting from the overall experience. However, when done right, these interactions can add depth and richness to the game, making it more engaging and enjoyable.
As VR technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see more innovative approaches to game design that leverage the unique capabilities of this medium. The future of VR gaming holds exciting possibilities for creating immersive, interactive experiences that captivate players and transport them to new worlds.
