Exploration of asymmetric information in VR-based tabletop RPGs through the implementation of fog of war

Abstract

Modern virtual-reality headsets have existed since the 1960s, although they have only recently been available for the general public due to a decrease in cost and an increase in power of computers. In parallel, tabletop role-playing games have been born out of war games and grown popular. When combined with virtual reality, tabletop role-playing games can utilise elements and aspects of digital games that are difficult or impossible to handle well in the world of analogue gaming. Thus a prototype of a platform for tabletop role-playing games in virtual reality was developed in Unity to study if the addition of virtual reality and fog of war enhances the experience of tabletop role-playing games. If virtual reality does enhance the tabletop role-playing experience it could change how tabletop role-playing games are played and who plays it by increasing its availability and decreasing its obscurity by adding a more visible element to the experience. After interviewing 12 students who have tested the prototype it seems that the fog of war could have a positive effect on the experience and that the virtual reality could be used as a supplement for groups that do not have the opportunity to meet up.