Research on Sound Immersion Mechanisms and Psychological Triggering in VR Horror Game Design

Abstract

With the proliferation of VR technology and immersive interactive technologies, VR horror games have emerged as a key subgenre in the gaming market, distinguished by their "immersive fear experiences." However, existing studies primarily focus on VR visual design, while systematic research on "sound" as a critical sensory element remains insufficient. In particular, there is a notable gap in in-depth explorations of VR sound’s "spatiality," "interactivity," and its role in triggering fear responses. This study centers on "the application of sound in VR horror games," grounded in horror psychology’s auditory trigger mechanisms and spatial audio technology principles. Using literature analysis to trace sound design theories, combined with empirical analysis of representative cases (Half-Life: Alyx, Resident Evil 7 VR), it examines in-game sounds’ functional roles. The focus is on analyzing ambient sounds’ foundational role in building immersion, interactive feedback sounds’ immediate impact on guiding player behavior, and enemy creature sounds’ direct triggering of fear instincts. It also explores the interaction logic between player-generated sounds (e.g., footsteps, breathing, controller operations) and the game environment. Ultimately, it reveals sound’s multi-dimensional role in driving immersion in VR horror games. Findings indicate VR sound's "spatial immersion" (enhancing players' "presence" via spatial sound relationships) and "interactive dynamism" (triggering fear instincts through unexpected sound designs) are core mechanisms amplifying fear experiences.