A Research-Driven VR Gameplay Experience
IGR – Intergalactic Ranger is a research-based virtual reality gameplay experience developed as part of a Master’s thesis investigation into VR motion sickness, locomotion, and immersive interaction design.
Set in a zero-gravity sci-fi universe, players take on the role of an Intergalactic Ranger tasked with restoring order in deep space while navigating complex movement systems, combat scenarios, and environmental challenges.
The project was designed not just as a game, but as a controlled experimental platform to study how different VR gameplay mechanics influence comfort, immersion, and player adaptation.
- Full 6DoF movement in open space
- Designed to simulate realistic floating and inertial motion
- Emphasizes spatial awareness and orientation control
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Smooth, continuous thrust-based movement
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Direction controlled via controller orientation
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Tuned acceleration and velocity to balance:
- Comfort
- Control
- Immersion
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Used as a low-disorientation baseline locomotion method
- Grapple-and-swing traversal using anchor points
- High-momentum movement across large distances
- Introduces rapid angular motion and speed variation
- Purposefully included as a high-intensity locomotion system for research comparison
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Hand-tracked or controller-based shooting
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Enemy waves with dynamic movement patterns
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Designed to test:
- Aiming under motion
- Cognitive load during multitasking
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Combat intensity scales progressively during gameplay
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Multiple enemy types with varied behaviors
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Increasing difficulty across gameplay phases
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Requires simultaneous:
- Navigation
- Target acquisition
- Threat avoidance
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Used to evaluate stress and motion tolerance in VR
- Grab, throw, and manipulate floating objects
- Physics-based interactions in zero gravity
- Designed for fine motor control and proprioception testing
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Black holes and space anomalies introduce:
- Visual distortion
- Gravitational pull
- Navigational disruption
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Used to study environmental effects on player orientation and comfort
IGR was built with two distinct gameplay configurations to support controlled experimentation:
- Navigate vast zero-gravity environments
- Manage movement comfort while maintaining control
- Eliminate enemy threats
- Interact with environmental objects
- Survive increasingly complex space encounters
- Adapt to escalating motion and cognitive demands
IGR is not just a VR game—it is a research platform designed to:
- Compare different locomotion styles
- Measure player comfort vs immersion
- Study adaptation to complex VR motion
- Explore how narrative and structured gameplay affect VR sickness
The gameplay systems were intentionally crafted to reflect real-world VR challenges encountered in modern immersive games.
- Built in Unity (URP)
- Designed for Meta Quest 3 / Quest 3S / Quest Pro
- Standalone VR experience
- Zero-gravity sci-fi setting
This repository represents the gameplay foundation of the IGR – Intergalactic Ranger research project.
Future iterations may expand:
- Environmental complexity
- Adaptive difficulty systems
- Multimodal feedback integration
- Additional traversal mechanics
IGR was developed as part of a graduate-level research study investigating:
- VR locomotion
- Interaction complexity
- Motion sickness mitigation
- Immersive gameplay design
The project bridges academic research and real-world VR gameplay systems.