Inside XR Design dives into the intricacies of top-notch XR design in various games, and today we’re focusing on Synapse, a PSVR 2 exclusive by nDreams. We’re exploring the concept of embodiment and why it’s crucial for VR games.
Our editor recently revisited this article to underscore its lasting relevance, even as we move through 2025. The insights offered here continue to ignite discussions about embodiment in VR.
For those who prefer watching, a complete video is included below, but let’s also delve into an adapted text version for more insight.
### Understanding Embodiment
In this episode of Inside XR Design, we’re examining Synapse (2023), but not just for its visual or dynamic gameplay. Instead, we’re zooming in on the concept of embodiment and its impact on VR experiences.
Embodiment is that tangible sensation of being physically present in a VR world, almost as if you’re genuinely standing in that environment. Now, you might be wondering, “Isn’t this just immersion?” Here’s where we need to draw a line between ‘immersion’ and ‘embodiment.’
‘Immersion’ is when your attention is wholly absorbed by something, like a captivating movie making you forget the outside world. But even the most engrossing film doesn’t make you feel physically inside it. That’s where embodiment distinguishes itself—it’s the sense of physical presence.
VR naturally starts you off with immersion, as your senses are captured by the headset. But true embodiment is when you feel your entire body is part of that virtual space. You reach out, and it’s almost like you can touch what’s in front of you.
### Feeling the Cover
At its surface, Synapse may seem like your run-of-the-mill VR shooter, but its design details greatly enhance embodiment. A prime example is its cover system.
Unlike typical games, where walls are mere obstacles, Synapse allows interaction. You can physically grab a wall and maneuver your body behind it for cover. This interaction is so intuitive, enhancing the game’s realism.
When interacting with the wall, it starts to feel real because you’re not just seeing it—you’re physically engaging with it. Your brain begins incorporating it into your proprioceptive model.
### Proprioception Explained
Proprioception refers to your body’s understanding of its position in space. Ever seen a cat navigate a tight spot by subtly moving its ear just in time? That’s proprioception in action—the cat “knows” spatially when and where to move its body.
In Synapse, this same concept applies when you use surroundings to dictate your movements. You instinctively learn, “move my hand right, and my body shifts left.”
This tangible interaction extends beyond visuals, making walls part of your sensory model and increasing that all-important sense of embodiment.
### Innovative Reloading
Walls in Synapse have more than one function; they also help with reloading. This design choice shifts further from standard VR mechanics.
While we’ve admired the detailed reloading in games like Half-Life: Alyx, Synapse opts for a quicker, engaging system that reflects its brisk pace. Magazines float, awaiting only a slide back into your firearm. It’s a quirky twist that fits perfectly within its sci-fi context.
Combining this with the cover system, you find yourself needing those walls not only for safety but to seamlessly continue gameplay. It’s a smart design except now fueled by your proprioceptive understanding of the game space.
### Embodying the Virtual World
The close interaction with Synapse’s walls—whether for cover or reloading—makes them feel substantial in the virtual space because they must be engaged with meaningfully.
This tactile experience with virtual elements elevates your sense of being there, reinforcing the notion of embodiment. While virtual settings innately grab attention, embodiment hinges on this deeper, interactive experience.
But that’s not where Synapse stops. The game brings a whole new dimension to interactivity with an ingenious telekinesis system, offering you unprecedented ways to interact.
To discover more about extending your reach in Synapse, bound over to our next page for the full scoop.
