Studying the Role of Non-Player Users (Spectator and Operator) in XR Single and Multiplayer Experiences

This paper presents a study on non-player users (NPUs) in experiences where active users (players) use Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented reality (AR) or any other spectrum of Extended Reality (XR). The spectator, a type of NPU, is hidden from players and does not actively participate in the virtual environment but observes the world and the activities of other users to understand their behaviour further, while the operator, another type of NPU, can manipulate the virtual environment without participating in the gameplay and is responsible for a smooth run of the experience. Both types can be implemented in AR or VR but usually have a desktop design. In most XR experiences, the presence of NPUs is unnecessary due to the nature of the application leading to the user base being composed of only players. However, in cases like location-based entertainment, XR training, or onboarding new hires, NPUs can significantly improve the process. The study examines the impact of NPUs on the user experience and the potential benefits and drawbacks of including them in XR experiences. Specifically, in a VR multi-user experience for assessing soft skills, the study found that with a desktop mode of the spectator, the preset camera views, timestamped notes, and audio activity visualization were the most appreciated functionalities.