Virtual reality game level layout design for real environment constraints

•We present an optimization-based approach for synthesizing virtual reality game level layouts.•Our method optimizes the game based on real environment layout and its constraints.•Our method enhances the levels of involvement of users in the virtual environment.•Our method reduced the fear of collision of users with the real environment. [Display omitted] This paper presents an optimization-based approach for designing virtual reality game level layouts, based on the layout of a real environment. Our method starts by asking the user to define the shape of the real environment and the obstacles (e.g., furniture) located in it. Then, by representing a game level as an assembly of chunks and defining the game level layout design decisions in cost terms (mapping, fitting, variations, and accessibility) in a total cost function, our system automatically synthesizes a game level layout that fulfills the real environment layout and its constraints as well as the user-defined design decisions. To evaluate the proposed method, a user study was conducted. The results indicated that the proposed method: (1) enhanced the levels of presence; (2) enhanced the levels of involvement of participants in the virtual environment; and (3) reduced the fear of collision with the real environment and its constraints. Limitations and future research directions are also discussed.