How virtual reality format changes how games are designed

VIRTUAL reality is changing the landscape of video games by putting players in the centre of brand new world. However, this is creating new challenges for gaming developers.

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VIRTUAL reality is changing the landscape of video games by putting players in the centre of brand new worlds.

However, making games customised for this new cutting-edge technology often creates a number of new challenges for developers.

This is something the team behind the multiplayer first-person shooter known as RIGS quickly discovered.

Optimised to be played using Sony’s Morpheus virtual reality headset, the game is a futuristic arena-based sport in which teams of three battle for survival.

RIGS art director Tom Jones said developing the game was unlike any other project the team had ever worked on.

“One of the things we quickly learnt was that we couldn’t take our previous experiences for granted,” he told news.com.au.

Mr Jones said the team had to find the balance between an aesthetically stimulating experience and a landscape that was not too complex.

“We wanted it be a colourful and clean place that gives the impression you are in an arena,” he said.

“However, we also knew the environment had to be breathable and not too noisy.

“Virtual reality is a lot for players to take in and they need time to process the information quickly.”

Even though the functionality of VR meant the game was limited in its design, Mr Jones said he still wanted to ensure it had attention to detail.

One such example is the controller and your hands in real life being shown as pilot’s gloves on a robotic joystick in the game.

“Those touching points are important for a sense of presence for being a pilot in the game,” he said.

“We also wanted to build the machine with enough fidelity so when you look around you see guns and other cool stuff.”

As impressive as the pioneering virtual reality game is, Mr Jones said he only expects things to improve over time.

“There is a massive opportunity and its will only get better,” he said.

“Our mandate is to push boundaries and bring to captivating VR gaming to Morpheus.”