Effects of Virtual Clothing and Naturalistic Virtual Environments on Temperature Perception and Thermoregulation

Abstract

Thermal perception and regulation are essential for many gameplay experiences. They are primarily influenced by temperature and humidity, but also by visual cues. In particular, stylized avatars and environments that suggest extreme temperatures in virtual reality (VR) games can affect how warm or cold players feel. However, it is unclear whether more naturalistic avatars and environments produce similar effects and how these factors interact. To investigate this, we conducted an online study (N = 100) examining whether an avatar’s clothing, body shape, skin tone, age, and the surrounding environment influence anticipated thermal comfort. Most factors showed significant effects. Because environment and clothing had the strongest impact, we examined them further in a second study in VR (N = 24). The results showed measurable effects on skin temperature, thermal sensation, and thermal comfort. These findings indicate that even naturalistic avatars and environments in games can influence players’ thermal perception and physiological responses. Game designers can therefore intentionally use visual cues to shape player experience, but they should also be aware of unintended temperature-related effects in VR. Implications for game design and player comfort are discussed.