Relaxed or Tense? Mutual Biosignal Transmission with Heartbeat Vibrations during Online Gameplay

TL;DR

This paper presents a system that transmits partner biosignals as heartbeat-like vibrations to enhance social presence in online gaming, aiming to reduce loneliness and improve emotional connection.

Contribution

It introduces a novel vibrotactile feedback system that conveys emotional states during online gameplay using biosignals like heart rate and electrodermal activity.

Findings

System effectively transmits emotional cues through vibrations

Enhances perceived social presence during online gameplay

Potential to reduce loneliness in online gaming environments

Abstract

Esports offers a platform for players to engage in competitive and cooperative gaming with others remotely via the Internet. Despite these opportunities for social interaction, many players may still experience loneliness while playing online games. This study aims to enhance the social presence of partner players during online gameplay. The demonstration system, designed for 1-on-1 online competitive games, mutually transmits the partner's biosignals, through heartbeat-like vibrotactile stimuli. The system generates vibrotactile signals that represent two-dimensional emotions, arousal and valence, based on biosignals such as heart rate and electrodermal activity.