HeartFortress – an Affective VR Game Adapting to Player Arousal

This study explores affective computing in virtual reality (VR) gaming, focusing on adapting gameplay to players’ arousal levels. By utilizing real-time physiological signals, such as heart rate and electrodermal activity, the VR game HeartFortress dynamically adjusts its mechanics. Observations suggest that the adaptive version of the game may enhance flow – a state of deep involvement in an activity – and increase physiological responsiveness, indicating heightened arousal. While preliminary, these findings highlight the potential of affective-driven adaptations in interactive systems, offering insights for gaming, training, and therapeutic applications.