Why 'Embodiment' Takes Precedence Over 'Immersion' in XR Design - Road to VR

Why ‘Embodiment’ is More Important Than ‘Immersion’ – Inside XR Design

Our series Inside XR Design explores notable examples of exceptional XR design. In today's episode, we dive into the game Synapse to examine the concept of embodiment and its significance in VR games.

Editor’s Note: We’ve rebooted our Inside XR Design series and are re-publishing them for those who may have missed previous entries. You can watch the complete video below or continue reading for an adapted text version.

Defining Embodiment

In this episode, we focus on Synapse (2023), a PSVR 2 exclusive developed by nDreams, particularly through the lens of embodiment. Embodiment refers to the sensation of being physically present in the VR experience, beyond mere immersion—which captures your attention. Embodiment emphasizes your sense of physical presence and interaction within the virtual world.

VR games naturally achieve immersion by captivating your vision and hearing, but only some manage to create a strong sense of embodiment, making you feel as if your whole body has been transported into the virtual world.

Cover You Can Feel

Synapse achieves a pronounced sense of embodiment through its unique cover system, allowing players to interact with in-game walls by physically grabbing and moving in relation to them. This interaction feels natural and enhances the realism of the experience, as the walls become part of your proprioceptive model—the body's ability to sense its own position in space.

For the full story and detailed insights, visit Road to VR.

Source: https://www.roadtovr.com/synapse-embodiment-immersion-inside-xr-design/