This article gives a brief overview of our research into Synth Riders, VR Regatta and Until You Fall. You can also check out a full overview of our research, including information about the effect on perceived exertion and adherence to exercise, here. Also keep an eye on this blog, as we have information about more games to come!

Each participant’s heart rate (HR) was recorded throughout their playthrough of each game and afterwards a questionnaire was completed, which included reporting a rate of perceived exertion (RPE). RPE was given on a scale of 6-20, with 6 being no exertion and 20 being maximum exertion and the RPE was converted to HR to compare actual exertion to perceived exertion. A Likert scale of 1-7 was used for the questionnaire, where a lower score gave a negative response to the question and a higher score gave a positive response to the question.

Synth Riders

Synth Riders is a freestyle dancing rhythm game. It can be played in single player mode or you can challenge others in multiplayer mode, which supports cross platform play. Synth Riders has a wide range of music available to play along to, from Drum & Bass, to Electro Swing, to Rock and Roll; with recent releases including music from Muse and The Offspring! As well as its extensive song list, it also has official custom song support so there’s plenty of music to keep you entertained.

Participants played for between 11:10-27:39 minutes each in single player mode, at difficulty levels of their choice. A total of 04:53:43 hours were played between all participants. Participants played in a standing position, which is recommended, however it is also possible to play whilst seated if walls are turned off.

On average, Synth Riders was found to induce a moderate level of exercise (64-76% of maximum HR), with an average of 67.2% and a range of 49-89%. On average, RPE was found to be higher than actual heart rate.

The average scores for some of the questionnaire questions are shown in the tables below. Appropriate questions for the type of game have been chosen to be shown in this article. With the game found to be fun; slightly difficult; fairly comfortable to play; mentally refreshing to play; motivational to get a high score; and an overall satisfactory experience.

Table 1. Questionnaire answers (1: describes the game poorly, 7: describes the game very well)

Table 2. Questionnaire answers (1: very inaccurate, 7: very accurate)

Table 3. Overall ratings (1: highly unsatisfactory, 7: highly satisfactory)

Synth Riders is available on Oculus Quest, Oculus Rift, Steam and Viveport. There is also a free demo for the Oculus Quest! (click the hyperlinks to be taken to the game page for each store). It can be cross-bought between Oculus headsets and you can play multiplayer with people from any of the available VR platforms!

VR Regatta – The Sailing Game

VR Regatta is a sailing game which allows you to relax and explore the Alkalana islands through sunrise, sunset and even by moonlight. As a beginner you can learn how to sail and progress to take on the challenges and races to further your sailing career, or simply take it slow and sit back to relax and enjoy the open seas. 

Participants played for between 10-22:20 minutes each, with a total of 03:07:09 hours played between all participants. Participants played in a seated position on yoga matts on the floor, most with feet outstretched in front of them, some cross legged. It is recommended to play whilst sitting on the floor for the best experience, to allow for physical movement to change which side of the boat you are seated, but it can also be played whilst seated in a chair and teleportation used to change sides. Some participants changed sides manually, whilst others chose to use teleportation.

On average, VR Regatta was found to induce a light level of exercise (50-64% of maximum HR), with an average of 56.1% and a range of 44-66.9%. On average, RPE was found to be lower than actual heart rate. 

The average scores for some of the questionnaire questions are shown in the tables below.  Appropriate questions for the type of game have been chosen to be shown in this article. With the game found to be fun; relaxing; not boring; slightly mentally refreshing to play; immersive; and an overall satisfactory experience.

Table 1. Questionnaire answers (1: describes the game poorly, 7: describes the game very well)

Table 2. Questionnaire answers (1: very inaccurate, 7: very accurate)

Table 3. Overall ratings (1: highly unsatisfactory, 7: highly satisfactory)

VR Regatta is available on Oculus Rift (and Quest via Oculus Link), Steam and Viveport (click the hyperlinks to be taken to the game page for each store). MarineVerse Cup, made by the same developers, has very similar dinghy sailing mechanics as well as other boats to sail; it is on the App Lab for the Quest and in early access on Steam.

Until You Fall

Until You Fall is a single player sword fighting game, which requires you to slash, block and dodge in particular ways to defeat the enemies and progress through the game. You get the choice to level up different aspects such as health, damage and special attacks as you complete each level to become stronger and defeat the various bosses throughout the game.

Participants played for between 07:15-27:20 minutes each, with a total of 05:34:35 hours played between all participants. Participants played in a standing position, although there is also a seated mode available.

On average, Until You Fall was found to induce a moderate level of exercise (64-76% of maximum HR), with an average of 70.7% and a range of 51.9-92.8%. On average, RPE was found to be lower than actual heart rate. 

The average scores for some of the questionnaire questions are shown in the tables below.  Appropriate questions for the type of game have been chosen to be shown in this article. With the game found to be exciting; requiring some problem solving; comfortable to play for most participants; motivational; immersive; and an overall satisfactory experience.

Table 1. Questionnaire answers (1: describes the game poorly, 7: describes the game very well)

Table 2. Questionnaire answers (1: very inaccurate, 7: very accurate)

Table 3. Overall ratings (1: highly unsatisfactory, 7: highly satisfactory)

Until You Fall is available on Oculus Rift, Oculus Quest, Steam, Viveport and PlaystationVR (click the hyperlinks to be taken to the game page for each store).