Design of Virtual Reality Based Game for Dual Enhancement of City Monuments and Brand Image

Abstract

The increasing accessibility of Virtual reality (VR) technology presents an opportunity for enhancing human immersion in several domains (Industrial, Social, Media, Cultural heritage, etc.). Moreover, it has huge impact to leverage its interaction and engagement; to un-dominate person on live, work, and diversion. The development of innovative VR-driven method is a sign of evolvement witnessed by the interaction design industry. In this respect, the work presents a complete framework for the design of virtual reality-based game; offering features, mechanisms, and 3D models that facilitate the development of interactive scenes, which reveal of the city’s historic monuments reality. The main research question focuses on empirically establishing the impact of virtual reality on video game design, including its influence on in-game cultural placement and its potential to enhance the retention of legacy game experiences within players’ memories. The results show that the game experience is felt original, enjoyable, and appealing for the user’s target group. Also, participants appreciate the use of VR technologies to explore cultural scenes and product; and to enhance empathy within a virtual experience. Furthermore, our research extends recent studies, proposing a VR-based design methodology, as well as, an assessing process. It guides the creation of visual representation of monuments, artifacts, and culture.  Moreover, it improves user’s point of view and knowledge of the place they visit, within playing the WallysCar Crash Team Racing (WCTR) game. Our project intended to achieve a twofold purpose related to the Tunisian context: discovering the popular “Sfax City” with historical and patrimonial monumental heritage, while promoting the local industry creation.