In our Inside XR Design series, we dive into exceptional examples of XR design, and right now, we’re focusing on the game Synapse. We’ll be diving deep into the concept of embodiment and why it plays such a pivotal role in VR gaming experiences.
Looking back, it’s hard to believe it’s been a year since we first shared this analysis, but the insights remain just as crucial in 2025 as they were back then. It’s a topic that continues to spark conversations, reflecting its ongoing importance in crafting engaging VR content.
Feel free to watch the full video below, or stick around as we explore an adapted textual version of these ideas.
### Defining Embodiment
Welcome to another episode of Inside XR Design. Today, we’re spotlighting Synapse, a game that made waves as a PSVR 2 exclusive from nDreams back in 2023. Our discussion will home in on the idea of embodiment in the game.
You might wonder why we’re delving into such a term instead of jumping straight to the action-packed features like the shooting, explosions, and slick design. The reason? Understanding embodiment helps explain the effectiveness of certain design choices in Synapse, so bear with me for a moment.
Embodiment refers to the sensation of being physically present within a VR setting— as if you’re truly standing amidst your digital surroundings. Now, I can almost hear you asking, “Isn’t that just immersion?” In casual conversation, sure, but here’s an important distinction: immersion and embodiment aren’t quite the same.
Immersion grabs your full attention—think about how an enthralling movie can make you forget the world outside the theater. But even the most captivating film doesn’t make you feel like you’re inside it. That’s where embodiment comes in—it’s about the physical sensation of presence in a virtual world.
In VR gaming, immersion comes almost automatically; once you strap on a headset, your senses are enveloped. However, some games take it further, making you feel your entire body is integrated into this digital space, pushing the boundaries of sensation and perception.
So, while immersion is about capturing attention, embodiment is all about feeling as though you’re there. And remember, embodiment isn’t a one-size-fits-all—different games offer varying degrees of this experience. Let’s see how Synapse excels in this area.
### Cover You Can Feel
At first glance, Synapse might appear as another VR shooter, but it’s intentionally designed to evoke a strong sense of embodiment, starting with its innovative cover system.
While most VR shooters include some form of cover where walls absorb enemy fire, they rarely engage you physically. The walls exist, yes, but they don’t interact dynamically with your body. Contrast that with Synapse, where you physically grab cover to pull your body in and out of danger, creating a tangible interaction that feels grounded in reality.
Physically moving yourself against walls instead of merely strafing with a joystick means those walls feel more authentic through your sense of proprioception—the subconscious awareness of body positioning.
### Understanding Proprioception
Now, let’s pause and understand proprioception, which often surfaces in discussions about simulating real-world physical experiences.
The best example? Picture a cat gracefully avoiding a table as it walks by, instinctively adjusting its body without needing to glance over. That’s proprioception—it’s the body’s internal map of where it is compared to its surroundings.
In Synapse, grabbing a wall to maneuver your body strengthens your perception of space, making those virtual barriers feel as essential as they would in real life, thereby anchoring you deeper into the game’s reality.
### Mags Out
Beyond cover, Synapse even lets you employ walls to reload your weapon, elevating the interaction. In previous sessions of Inside XR Design, we’ve discussed detailed weapon models like those in Half-Life: Alyx, but Synapse opts for something tailored to its fast-paced style.
Reloading here is simplified; magazines float out, and you nudge them back into place—an approach that suits its sci-fi vibe while maintaining a quick, engaging reload process that complements the game’s active play style.
This intuitive system pairs perfectly with the cover mechanics. Holding onto the cover occupies one hand, so reloading against a wall becomes a clever workaround, reinforcing that sense of presence by continuously involving the player’s body movements in the gaming process.
As such, both these interactions—the handling of cover and the seamless reload mechanics—enrich the experience by making walls more than mere visual barriers. They become real, tactile elements within the gameplay, bridging the gap between seeing and feeling, propelling your sense of embodiment.
When a game world achieves this level of tangibility, you’re not just observing—you’re part of it. And that’s the magic of embodiment in VR—building a layer where seeing is just one piece of how you connect with and react within the game. Tilting the balance further, Synapse further pushes the envelope with its captivating telekinesis system.
Curious for more? Stay tuned for the next discussion as we dive into the fine details of extending your reach in Synapse.
