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.
