Interaction Forms in Multiplayer Desktop Virtual Reality Games

This paper describes the findings of ethnographical research which elaborates and analyses the interaction forms of a contemporary multiplayer game. The motivation for the research originates from the issue that the lack of intuitive and non-intrusive interaction cues is one of the distinctive features separating desktop virtual reality settings from face-to-face encounters. The analysis of the interaction forms in a multiplayer game session indicates that the participants of collaborative virtual environment can use various forms of non-verbal communication and perceivable actions to reduce communication difficulties. However, players tend to communicate outside the game system and they try to overcome the limitations of the systems by inventing various imaginative ways to communicate, co-ordinate and co-operate. This indicates that there is a need for additional interaction support.