This has plagued virtual reality (VR) since the beginning of its time: motion sickness. Developers, both of software and hardware, have been trying to create a solution for it, with mixed results all round. 3lb Games, developers of educational games, have stepped up to the mark and claimed that they have solved the problem for Oculus Touch and HTC Vive by utilising the motion controllers more intuitively – and it is the first asset to be approved for the Oculus Touch in the Unity Asset Store.
What is essentially explained is that the system will let users communicate with the VR hardware when and how they are to move, making a stronger bridge between their intention of movement and what they see and perceive within the experience, be it videogame or cinematic viewing. The way this is done is by using the controllers to direct where users intend on moving to, including rotation, and you can check it out in the video below for the Oculus Touch controllers.
In the statement made by 3lb Games, it explains how the script helps users and what the result of it is: “By eliminating sensory conflict, we can significantly reduce one of the biggest contributors to motion sickness. When intent is aligned with action, the process of VR movement feels both intuitive and natural. Unlike other movement systems, this package contains a number of different movements for a broad range of games. You can even mix and match some of them to create a unique locomotion system.”
There is script available for both the Oculus Touch and HTC Vive in the Unity Asset Store, both available for $20 (USD), and it is said that there is room for development for other VR headsets.
For more on the latest in the development of VR hardware, as well as all the news, updates, and features in the world of VR, make sure to check back with VRFocus.
