Player Locomotion in Virtual Reality Games

This chapter discusses the challenges of virtual reality (VR) locomotion and outlines a number of available solutions that allow the exploration of fictional worlds. Existing games are sometimes ported to VR, be it to promote the title or to build on the success of the original game. Locomotion in VR has a huge impact on the failure or success of a game. A well-chosen technique is able to enhance the player experience and help players to immerse even more in the fictional worlds. In contrast to delicate finger recognition required for the aforementioned tapping gesture, such arm swings can be easily tracked via mainstream VR controllers. The described arc-based teleportation, although being recommended by hardware manufacturers, is still relatively uncommon in VR games. The chapter discusses a broad spectrum of possibilities to move in VR, ranging from stationary approaches relying on gamepads to advanced redirected walking techniques that trick our perception to enable unrestricted natural walking in a limited space.