Drone Rider: Exploratory Study on Virtual Fields for Exergaming

Drone Rider is a previously developed XR flight-experience system that integrates a footplate suspended by multiple bungee cords, vibration feedback, and wind feedback proportional to flight speed. In this study, we conducted a preliminary experiment to examine whether Drone Rider can function as an exercise-gaming system that combines enjoyment with physical exertion. Participants experienced four virtual fields (Free, Crane, Birds, Gate) and rated their enjoyment after each trial. Heart rate during each 2-minute experience, as well as resting heart rate before each trial, was recorded as an index of physical load. A multi-objective analysis based on enjoyment ratings and heart-rate change suggested that the Birds and Gate fields achieved relatively favorable balances between enjoyment and exertion. These results indicate that goal attainment and enhanced immersion may play important roles in realizing Drone Rider as an effective exercise-gaming system.