Head-mounted display virtual reality traversal: Multiple traversal methods as the game itself

Research

Abstract:

Virtual reality (VR) has become widely available due to the release of consumer level head mounted displays (HMD) such as the HTC Vive, allowing for new ways of interacting virtual environments (VE).

Travelling within the VE, VE traversal, is still a complex issue to solve. Game developers have created new ways of VE traversal such as teleportation, climbing, on rails and etc. To date however, most VR games opt to use only one of these, instead of using multiple types. Why not incorporate multiple types into a single game?

This project aims to explore this notion, by implementing different traversal methods into a single VR game. The prototype will be created using Unreal Engine 4, plugins and a HTC Vive, which will then be improved upon through an iterative process of experimentation.

The outcome of this research will hopefully provide a reference for a publishable VR game.

Editted 16th March 2018

Design Doc

Gameplay idea:

Traverse a level using the various methods afforded to you. Run, climb, fly; pick your poison XD

Inspirations:

These are the inspirations I am drawing from:

1. Ratchet and Clank
2. Grand Theft Auto (3-current)
3. My previous project (Mind Your Head)
4. Haigen's project (Project N)
5. Sprint Vector

Traversal Methods:

The movement/traversal methods mentioned below are common traversal methods used in non-VR games. These will be considered for the VR game:

1. Walking/Running
2. Climbing
3. Getting launched - Launch pad/Jump pad/Grappling hook
4. Assisted flying - Jet pack/Jump pack
5. Driving/Riding - Hoverbike/Hovercar/Horse(?)
6. Rope swinging/climbing
7. Zip line
8. Teleportation/Portal system
9. Swimming