“Not in Kansas Anymore” Exploring Avatar-Player Dynamics Through a Wizard of Oz Approach in Virtual Reality

Virtual reality (VR) gaming has the potential to offer more immersive and realistic environments for players. Recent developments in VR technology and gaming have resulted in more advanced game controllers and the development of more nuanced games. Despite the vast potential behind VR games in enhancing the player experience, there is a lack of frameworks and methodologies that specifically address the player experience in opposition to the user experience. Therefore, the present study aimed to develop and assess a proof-of-concept technology based on a Wizard of Oz (WOz) methodology to evaluate the player experience in VR games. The WOz approach provides a tool for evaluating player-avatar interactions in the preliminary stages of VR game development. We present the WOz approach and an initial exploratory qualitative study in the present study. The study's results highlight the importance of technical aspects, interaction design, and authenticity in player-avatar interactions. The resource-efficient prototype enables practitioners and researchers to investigate different forms of player-avatar interactions in the preliminary stages of VR-game development. Avenues for further research to conduct experimental studies through the prototype are discussed.