Key Element 1: Virtual World

A virtual world is the content of a given medium. It may exist solely in the mind of its originator or be broadcast in such a way that it can be shared with others. A virtual world can exist without being displayed in a virtual reality system (i.e., an integrated collection of hardware, software, and content assembled for producing virtual reality experiences)–much like play or film scripts exist independently of specific instances of their performance. Such scripts do in fact describe virtual worlds. Let’s carry the analogy further. We can refer to the script of a play as merely the description of a play. When that description is brought to life via actors, stage sets, and music, we are experiencing the play’s virtual world. Similarly, a computer-based virtual world is the description of objects within a simulation. When we view that world via a system that brings those objects and interactions to us in a physically immersive, interactive presentation, we are experiencing it via virtual reality.

Key Element 2: Immersion

Considering the user must be immersed within some other, alternate reality, an admittedly simplistic definition of VR might be

But what does this mean? Where do you go to get immersed into an alternate reality or point of view? What in fact is an alternate reality or point of view? According to our simple definition, a medium qualifies if its participants are able to perceive something other than they would have without an external influence. This definition acknowledges the possibility of perceiving something besides the world you are currently living in in two ways: you can either perceive an alternate world or the normal world from another point of view.

An alternate world might be a representation of an actual space that exists elsewhere, or it could be a purely imaginary environment. Alternate worlds are often created in the minds of novelists, composers, and other artists and creative individuals.

Imagine for a moment that you are empowered with the magical ability to live in a world other than the one you currently inhabit. You are given new powers, objects have different properties, perhaps there is no gravity. Other human and non-human beings inhabit this space. Space may or may not exist in the same way it does in our universe. Perhaps the shortest distance between two points is not a straight line. Is such a scenario possible?

If you are able to imagine such a place then it is, indeed, possible. Imagination is where virtual worlds begin and how numerous virtual worlds are experienced. The power of imagination can allow us to dwell where we choose, when we choose, and with whom we choose. We are limited only by what we can imagine and our ability to communicate it.

It is often important to manifest the ideas of our imagination into some medium. By doing so, we are able to share our world with others and to partake in the creations of others. A novel, for instance, can take us to exotic places and into a life other than our normal daily existence, as can motion pictures, radio, television, and animation (FIGURE 1-3). However, each of these media produce only one-way communication: from creator to audience. The point of view is preselected. The dialog is predetermined. The outcome of the story is preordained. However, each member of the audience will likely have a different reaction, perhaps in ways unexpected by the creator.

Depending on a writer’s ability to pull the reader into the story—this is called mimesis, a term indicating how real or at least consistent with itself a story world is—a novel might qualify as an alternate world that immerses the reader. Perhaps you have found yourself empathizing with the characters in a radio, motion picture, or television show. Your suspension of disbelief makes the content of these media seem real. None, however, provide direct interaction between the viewer or listener (the recipient) and the world. Furthermore, these media often present their worlds from a third person point of view (POV).

In virtual reality the effect of entering the world begins with physical, rather than mental, immersion. Because physical immersion is a necessary component of virtual reality, our simple definition is not specific enough and many other media meet its parameters.