Challenges in Assessing Network Latency Impact on QoE and In-Game Performance in VR First Person Shooter Games

Abstract

In this paper we present the results of two user studies focused on exploring Virtual Reality (VR) first person shooter games. We observe and analyze the impact of network latency on subjective (Quality of Experience, willingness to continue playing in given network conditions, perceived weapon precision) and objective (in-game survival rates) metrics, leading to the conclusion that VR games potentially display a degree of latency-sensitivity that is comparable to first-person non-VR games. Furthermore, after comparing inconsistencies in the outcomes of conducted studies, we provide a detailed discussion on noise-introducing contextual factors (weapon choice, level of difficulty, social context) that might have influenced the results of our initial study, and highlight the impact of methodology on the overall conclusiveness of user studies focused on multiplayer games. These findings may serve as guidelines for the design of future studies on networked VR applications and multiplayer games in general.