How Does Gamification Affect Virtual Reality Nature Experience?

Yuxuan Huang , Qiao Jin , Sara Lotemplio , Francisco R. Ortega , Victoria Interrante
ACM Transactions on Applied Perception (TAP) 2026 journal

Summary

This study compares goal-directed photography with free exploration in virtual nature. Gamified objectives improved cognitive performance but reduced relaxation, highlighting a tradeoff between engagement and restoration.