Why ‘Embodiment’ Matters More Than ‘Immersion’

Our dive into the world of Inside XR Design continues, as we explore standout examples of exceptional XR design. This time, we’re delving into the innovative game, Synapse, to unpack the often-overlooked concept of embodiment and its crucial role in virtual reality gaming.

Reflecting on Embodiment in VR

It’s hard to believe it’s been a whole year since we initially published this piece. Amazingly, its insights remain just as relevant in 2025, which is why we’ve brought it back to our front page. It’s important to keep the conversation alive about how embodiment enhances VR experiences.

You can check out the full video below, or stick with me as I break down the text.

Exploring Embodiment in VR

Welcome back to another episode of Inside XR Design. Today, let’s delve into Synapse, a PSVR 2 exclusive developed by nDreams. We’re focusing on the game from the angle of a fascinating concept known as embodiment.

Now, you might be wondering why I’m not talking about the explosive action or sleek design elements straight away. It’s because understanding embodiment sheds light on why certain design choices in Synapse work so well. So, bear with me for just a moment.

Embodiment refers to the sensation of being physically present within a virtual reality environment, making you feel as if you’re standing within the game world. You might ask, “Isn’t that just immersion?” While the two terms are related, they’re not identical.

Immersion, as we’ll define it, occurs when an experience captures your complete attention—like getting lost in a captivating movie. Yet, no matter how engaging, a film has never tricked us into believing we’re physically inside its world. That’s where embodiment kicks in.

Unpacking the Difference

Immersion draws you in through attention, while embodiment relates to the physical presence and your interaction within the virtual space. It’s crucial to note that all VR games inherently hook you in through immersion since they encompass your senses. However, embodiment is where the magic of VR truly lies, making you feel as though you’re part of the imaginary world.

So, when VR crosses that line—making you feel physically present, like reaching out and touching the game’s elements—that’s when embodiment occurs. Unlike immersion, embodiment is not binary but exists on a spectrum. Some experiences may lightly engage your sense of embodiment, while others fully immerse you in a way that feels almost tangible. Synapse gives us a perfect case study of these principles in action.

Interactive Design: A Closer Look at Synapse

At first glance, Synapse appears to be a typical VR shooter, but it’s the thoughtful design elements that set it apart, fostering a profound sense of embodiment. Let’s start with its innovative cover system.

In most VR shooters, cover means stepping behind an object to block enemy fire, with no real interaction. However, Synapse elevates this by allowing you to physically engage with cover. By grabbing walls and using them to maneuver your body, you interact in a more dynamic way, making the walls feel real. This design cleverly taps into your proprioceptive model—the internal awareness of your body’s position.

Understanding Proprioception

Proprioception might sound complex, but it’s something we experience daily. Imagine watching a cat gracefully duck its head as it walks beneath a table. The cat isn’t thinking about this; its innate sense of space guides it. Similarly, in Synapse, as you manipulate walls for cover, you develop an intuitive understanding of your body’s interaction with these virtual elements. They’re no longer just visuals but integral parts of your experience.

Leveraging Environment for Engagement

Moreover, walls in Synapse aren’t just for hiding. They add to the gameplay by allowing you to reload weapons. Forget fumbling through inventory—in this game, magazines float, waiting for a swift slide back into the gun. It’s a fresh, fast-paced reloading system suitable for its sci-fi setting and overall game flow. This seamless integration aligns beautifully with Synapse’s cover mechanics, letting you use one hand for cover while reloading with the other by pushing against walls.

Not only is this design element clever, but it’s also another step towards embodiment. To reload, you must physically assess your proximity to the wall, incorporating it as part of your proprioceptive model. By engaging with these elements, the game world feels increasingly real, while you become more aware of your own presence within it.

In essence, the more you interact and feel the environment in virtual reality, the more convincing it becomes. Embodiment elevates the immersive experience beyond what you merely see, creating a tangible, interactive reality. And if you thought the cover and reloading mechanics were brilliant, wait until you see how Synapse takes it further with its remarkable telekinesis system.

Stay tuned for the next part, where we’ll explore how Synapse allows you to truly extend your reach in the virtual world.