Xhaler

Xhaler is a team of graduate students at Carnegie Mellon University’s Entertainment
Technology Center, exploring how breathing can enhance the immersiveness of
gameplay. The team aims to discover how breath control can improve immersion,
embodiment, and interaction across various gaming platforms, starting with virtual
reality as the first medium.

With limited research on breath-based mechanics in gaming, the team seeks to answer
three key design questions:

• Does breathing enhance immersion and embodiment?
• Is VR the most suitable medium for a breath-controlled experience?
• Can a game centered around breathing be both engaging and enjoyable?

To tackle these questions, the team follows an iterative development process focused
on pattern exploration, prototyping, and reflection. By experimenting with different
breathing mechanics and testing their impact on gameplay, they aim to refine their
design and create a compelling experience.

Through continuous iteration, Xhaler explores the potential of breath-based interaction
in gaming. While VR serves as the starting point, the team hopes their findings will
inspire developers to consider breathing as a viable game input across various
platforms.

---

Project Instructor: Dave Culyba

Project Team: Ming-Fen (Jing) Chung, Alex Hall, Yen-Chun (James) Hu, Hongcheng (Lawrence) Luo, Jack Peng