Through trial and error the SilverCord VR team found the most convenient way to move in virtual reality.
Our team was convinced that sliding movement was the best choice for moving in VR at the beginning of the development of SilverCord VR supporting rig. However after testing SilverCord Supporting rig in the real gameplay we abandoned the sliding movement in favor of stomping and running in place.
Our device allows you to use both of these types of movements, and perhaps sliding movement will be more convenient for you. However you definitely should try to step on the spot if you use SilverCord Supporting rig.
In no case we want to belittle slidemills, but we point out the shortcomings that made us abandon the sliding movement as primary option.
Cons of all types of slidemills:
Unstable movement (your legs are moving apart)The muscles are constantly in tension, so it’s hard to go long
Special shoes required
It’s very difficult to run Types of slidemills:
Flat surface
You can jump
You can squat (if the construct allows)
Inclined surface
Walking is easier than on a flat surface
Impossible to run due to strong slipping of legs at the end of step
Impossibility of crouching because you can not keep the player from falling if he slips
A complex and expensive system for turning the inclined plane behind the player
Bowl surface
This is the best system for sliding, but there are downsides here.
The step is quite convenient with the ideal bowl radius for the player
Due to rear rounding running is possible
If the radius is too small or too large the movement will be difficult. Since all people have different height and foot sizes choosing the right radius is a very difficult task.
Need special shoes (sometimes several types)
The device is very noisy (can be solved with felt on your feet)
After weighing the pros and cons we came to the conclusion that stomping and running in place is the best way to move for the player, however sliding movement is possible for our devise too (optional).
Essential addition:
This addition based on Nathie slidemill test. And we made an explanation for you. This effect will be present for all of VR treadmills without exception whether you walk or slide on a flat surface. It is actual even for fantastic “Ready Player One” cinematic VR treadmill. The dissimilarity of movement is important. As a result you will get motion sickness effect and lack of VR immersion.
As for “walk on spot” solution, feet movement will be much closer to real world. Yes it will be different in further offset, however it is much easier to deceive the brain with such movement. So, it will be much less or completely without motion sickness.
Pros and cons of walking in place:
No special shoes needed, suitable for player with any foot size
Isn’t noisy
Pretty responsive rotation around the axis due to the fact that the legs do not slip
More freedom of movement (jumping, crouching, bending, etc.)
A fairly natural and familiar movement that removes motion sickness as well as sliding does
Player do not need to learn new kind of movement
The step in place is much more convenient than sliding!
This movement is still different from the usual walking