Technical-scientific feasibility analysis of a virtual reality local multiplayer experience that maps the real environment into the virtual world

Abstract

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are two topics greatly featured in the news related to technology nowadays. Experts believe that they are disruptive concepts that will entirely change the way we live and do our everyday tasks, causing an impact as significant as the one seen when smartphones started to become popular. In this scenario, many companies decided to release their own VR headsets (also called HDM or head-mounted displays), enabling other content creators to develop diversified applications for their devices. However, these headsets are still very expensive and, for the Brazilian market, those values get even higher. With this opportunity in hand, some companies arose to give access of this technology to the general public; known as "VR Arcades" they usually charge a fee from their visitors based on the time the public spends playing in the store. Unfortunately, the experiences are mostly single player games, so, in general, you cannot play simultaneously with your friends. It is believed that the social factor brought about by a multiplayer VR attraction, added to the discovery of a new entertainment method that uses the most recent VR gaming technology, will result in a successful enterprise. A similar result can already be observed through companies like "The Void", that recently was one of the startups chosen by Disney to participate in their acceleration program, gaining help from mentors and investors. "The Void" innovated by inserting the customers in a room that was completely mapped and replicated digitally, creating the sensation that what they saw through the headset was actually real and touchable. They invested a great amount of money to build their first locations (mostly due to trademark licenses and to the size of the places) and their attraction is present only in a few countries. The main objective of this present research project is, to develop the tools and methods required to create a local multiplayer VR experience where the real environment is completely recreated in the virtual world, making its users to feel fully immersed in the game. The company will focus on the analysis of the best techniques to develop a VR experience. The impact caused by different technologies used in the game will be studied as well as which factors and elements can be incorporated to the solution so that the resulting game can present high levels of fun, replay and immersion. By the end of this research project, it is expected that an innovative mode of entertainment will be obtained. The recommended solution will be able to be implemented by the company, allowing it to gain prominence in the domestic Brazilian market. (AU)