Why do players become immersed in games? And how do developers keep players grounded in completely fake, virtual worlds? We pick apart the mechanics, narrative, and level progression in Phantom: Covert Ops to shed light on how design choices and technical implementations impact player immersion. It’s time to get grounded!

Timestamps:

1:25 - Storytelling

5:45 - Locomotion and Spatial Presence

15:57 - Weapons and Equipment

30:30 - Levels and Progression

36:18 - World Interaction

43:20 - Oculus Quest and Market Analysis

Oculus Store Links:

Phantom: Covert Ops - https://www.oculus.com/experiences/quest/2302118823192509

Other things we mention:

Journey to Elysium - https://store.steampowered.com/app/1036260/Journey_For_Elysium/

MGS V: The Phantom Pain - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metal_Gear_Solid_V:_The_Phantom_Pain

James Bond intro - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUVBRrBl-yc

Metroidvanias - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metroidvania

Ghosts n Goblins - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghosts_%27n_Goblins

Castlevania - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castlevania

Assassin's Creed white paint - https://youtu.be/wf245fBGTB4?t=1309

Asgard’s Wrath - https://www.oculus.com/experiences/rift/1180401875303371