Today I would like to talk about the physiological effects that I have experienced while both playing a VR game and watching others play. I have tried a couple of games but would like to describe one in particular, as it is a very a good example for the instant physiological responses VR experiences can cause.
I borrowed a pair of VR glasses from my workplace and gathered my parents in order to both observe their behavior while playing and experience myself what reactions the game would cause. The game I am talking about is called a plank experience, where the user/player takes an elevator up a high storey building and then, as the elevator doors open, is faced with the challenge of walking a narrow plank that leads outdoors, with a rather steep drop on both sides. This is probably an experiment known to quite a few, and for many probaply one of the first touchpoints with virtual reality.
We laid out a piece of wood that most closely resembled a plank, but rather than having it high up the outer walls of a building, we put it on to the floor, in order to create a more realistic environment. Before trying it myself, I watched everyone else walk the plank and was highly amused by their reactions, as I saw them hestitate, walk the plank rather slowly and fight for balance. My mother even refused to take a step „outside” – she didn’t move until I took off her VR glasses. Lastly, it was my turn, and all I can say is that i was pretty surprised by the way my body reacted. Firstly, I had a feeling of elevation when the elevator was going up, a halting sensation as it came to a stop and I could sense my heart beat just a bit faster in anticipation. With the doors opening, I felt like I was standing atop a tall building and looking down into the abyss was surprisingly leaving my toes a bit tingly, even though logically, I knew that I was perfectly safe. The feeling of walking the plank itself was even worse, making it rather challenging to step on it and walk what was ultimately nothing more than a straight line.
I was quite astonished by the intensity of the reactions that came with this experience and the unique feeling of logic and sensation going in different directions. It makes me wonder what all those people who had a real plank on the floor at those VR demo stands went through.
Further interest
https://www.meta.com/de-de/experiences/1642239225880682/
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/03/190318114550.htm
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fspor.2020.531535/full
Images
1. Meta. “Richie’s Plank Experience für Meta Quest | Quest VR Games | Meta Store” Meta Quest Store. Accessed February 2, 2024. https://www.meta.com/de-de/experiences/1642239225880682/#?
