What Laws of Physics Should Be Broken to Provide Users with a New Virtual Reality Experience
Virtual reality (VR) is gradually transforming from a niche technology into a full-fledged tool for immersing users in unique and diverse worlds. However, to achieve truly unforgettable experiences, developers are beginning to bend the laws of physics upon which our real world is based. In this article, we will explore how and which laws of physics can be “broken” to give users a new and unique experience in VR, referencing real-world examples.
1. Breaking the Law of Gravity: The Experience of Floating and Weightlessness
One of the most popular ways to create an extraordinary VR experience is to manipulate the law of gravity. In the real world, gravity constantly pulls us toward the ground. However, in virtual worlds, this restriction can be removed, allowing users to fly or experience weightlessness.
Example: The game “Lone Echo” uses this principle by immersing users in weightlessness aboard a space station. Here, players can freely move by pushing off objects and floating through space. This element of the game radically changes the interaction with the world, giving users the feeling of a space expedition and offering a type of gameplay that is impossible in traditional games.
Another notable example is “No Man’s Sky VR”, where players can leave planets and smoothly transition through the atmosphere into space. Breaking gravitational limitations helps convey the impression of vast interplanetary journeys, making the experience more expansive and captivating.
2. Breaking the Law of Conservation of Energy: Infinite Possibilities for Movement
In real life, all our actions require energy, and after a long day, we inevitably get tired. In virtual reality, however, this limitation can be removed, allowing users to move without fatigue or the need to recover.
Example: The game “Sprint Vector” breaks the law of conservation of energy, creating a sense of endless stamina. Players can endlessly run, jump, and perform acrobatic stunts without getting tired. This makes the game more dynamic and adds an element of excitement that would be impossible in real life.
3. Breaking Newton’s Laws: Unusual Collisions and Object Physics
Newton’s laws of motion dictate how objects behave during collisions. However, in virtual reality, it is possible to create collisions that defy real-world physics to achieve unexpected and interesting effects.
Example: In “Job Simulator”, users interact with objects that behave absurdly; for instance, throwing a cup over your shoulder may lead to completely unexpected results — it might bounce like a ball or hover in mid-air. This creates a comedic effect and subverts user expectations, making the game fun and engaging.
Another example is “Boneworks”, where physical laws are upheld only when it benefits the player. Objects can behave differently depending on the situation, allowing for unique problem-solving based on the manipulation of object movement.
4. Breaking the Law of Causality: Reversing the Consequences of Actions
Usually, every action has a consequence, but in virtual reality, this law can be “turned off,” giving users the freedom to experiment without the fear of repercussions.
Example: In “Half-Life: Alyx”, you can find examples of temporary breaks in the cause-and-effect chain. Certain objects may restore themselves or disappear over time, creating interesting puzzles to solve. This “reversal” effect enhances players’ creative freedom, allowing them to try various actions without fearing fatal mistakes.
5. Manipulating Visual Perspective: Creating Nonlinear Spaces
In real life, our visual perspective depends on where we are and where we are looking. However, in VR, space can be “warped” to create unusual optical effects and unexpected twists.
Example: In the game “Superliminal”, developers play with visual perspective, making users reconsider the familiar laws of physics. For instance, objects can appear tiny or gigantic depending on the angle of view, which radically changes how players interact with the game world. This technique is used to create unique puzzles that are simply impossible in real life.
Breaking the laws of physics opens new opportunities for VR developers to create unique and captivating worlds. Real-world examples like “Lone Echo”, “Sprint Vector”, “Job Simulator”, “Half-Life: Alyx”, and “Superliminal” demonstrate how breaking gravity, motion, energy conservation, and causality can alter users’ perceptions and interactions within virtual environments. While these laws cannot be broken in real life, such bold moves allow VR to transcend the possible, creating entirely new experiences for users that enrich their gaming and educational interactions with technology.
