Development of an Acoustic and Online VR Game to Improve Social Connectivity and Awareness About Tourist Places in Visually Impaired People

This paper presents an Acoustic and Online Virtual Reality (VR) game designed to enhance social connectivity and promote awareness of tourist destinations among visually impaired individuals. Conventionally designed VR experiences often exclude the visually impaired due to their reliance on visual stimuli. In response, this VR game utilizes spatial audio (multi directional) techniques and online multiplayer functionality to create an inclusive and immersive environment. Visually impaired players navigate virtual tourist sites solely through auditory cues, fostering a sense of exploration and engagement. The multiplayer aspect facilitates social interaction and provides players with a sense of connectivity. Preliminary testing of the game indicates positive outcomes, with users reporting increased social connectivity, satisfaction and knowledge of tourist attractions. Overall, the Acoustic and Online VR game represents a promising avenue for leveraging technology to provide visually impaired individuals with meaningful and enriching experiences, enabling them to explore and engage with the world in new ways.