We wave II, an interactive somatic game in an immersive and participative environment

Abstract

This study is dedicated to an experimental approach of associating interactive gaming experiences with somatic exercises. Our work will be presented in the following steps: 1. The creation of experimental prototypes by means of digital game consoles and wearable devices (e.g. Google Cardboard or Oculus Rift). 2. The development of visual and musical methods to enhance in-game body movement control. 3. The mapping of players' physical movements to a digital virtual reality environment and the game level design. 4. The development of game-based observation tools. The aim of this work is to demonstrate that a somatic experience in a digital virtual reality environment can be simultaneously intimate and shared. Our game design aims to elicit players to modify their usual perception and create a new sensorimotor and cognitive experience. By presenting this study and demonstration, we wish to open up a new perspective for virtual reality gaming experiences.