Sense of Immersion in Computer Games Using Single and Stereoscopic Augmented Reality

ABSTRACT

As a novel interaction and presentation technology, Augmented Reality (AR) has been widely used in education, tourism, entertainment, psychology, and many other applications. In the game industry, this revolutionary technology has introduced a new form of interaction between players and the gaming environment. In this article, we aim to find if exploiting AR in computer games can enhance the sense of immersion, and consequently, satisfying the players. To this end, a mobile game called Ladybug is implemented using three different techniques including the regular virtual reality (VR) camera, single AR camera, and stereoscopic AR camera. The results of a comprehensive user study on these techniques showed that the single AR camera and stereoscopic AR camera can result in more sense of immersion in players in comparison to the VR camera. However, the hypothesis that the stereoscopic AR results in more sense of presence in comparison to the single AR camera is rejected. On the other hand, our findings show that the AR stereoscopic camera can lead to a better emotional involvement and enjoyment in comparison to the single AR camera and VR camera.

Notes

1. http://www.gartner.com/newsroom/id/2614915.

2. https://www.oculus.com.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Yoones A. Sekhavat

Yoones A. Sekhavat is an Assistant Professor in Faculty of Multimedia in Tabriz Islamic Art University. He holds a PhD in Computer Science from Memorial University, Canada and post-doc from University of Alberta. He is the head of the cognitive augmented reality lab (www.carlab.ir).

Hossein Zarei

Hossein Zarei is a graduate student of Intelligent Simulator Design, Faculty of Multimedia, Tabriz Islamic Art University. His main research area lies in augmented reality, serious games and rehabilitation games.