Why ‘Embodiment’ Trumps ‘Immersion’

In our ongoing journey through Inside XR Design, we’re diving into the fascinating world of Synapse. This PSVR 2 exclusive from nDreams takes center stage today as we delve into the concept of embodiment—a key factor in crafting immersive virtual reality experiences.

It’s been a year since we first explored these ideas, yet they’re as impactful as ever in our discussion of VR design in 2025. We’re bringing this piece back to the forefront to continue shining light on why embodiment is crucial for immersive VR.

For a visual deep dive, check out the complete video. But if you’re more of a reader, stick around for our text adaptation.

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Embodiment, in the context of VR, refers to that profound feeling of physical presence within a virtual environment. It’s that sensation of “being there” that can transform a game from mere pixels into a lived experience.

Now, you might think, “Isn’t this what immersion is?” Yes, in casual terms, immersion captures our attention, much like a gripping movie does. It keeps us hooked, almost unaware of our surroundings. But does a movie ever make you think you’re stepping inside its world? Not quite. That’s where embodiment steps in.

Immersion engages our minds, while embodiment captivates our senses, making us perceive ourselves as part of the digital landscape. Put on a VR headset, and you’re immersed. But a truly embodying VR game makes you feel like you can interact with that world, like you’re physically within it.

Embodiment isn’t just a switch that’s on or off; it’s a spectrum. Each game offers a different level of this experience, and Synapse excels in this regard.

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At first glance, Synapse might seem like your standard VR shooter, but its design pushes embodiment further through innovative mechanics. Let’s start with the cover system.

Usually, in VR shooters, cover is something you passively hide behind. Synapse changes that. Here, walls are interactive; you can grip them, using your hands to pull your body in and out of cover. This transforms a passive interaction into an active, physical engagement.

When you grab a wall in Synapse, it becomes part of your proprioceptive model—that internal sense of space and body coordination. Proprioception is what allows creatures, like a cat effortlessly maneuvering around obstacles, to understand their position in space without looking. It’s a unique body awareness.

So, in Synapse, when you manipulate a wall’s position to aid your movement, your brain starts considering the wall as a real part of the environment. This not only makes the wall more “real” but also enhances the feeling that your body is truly present in the game.

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Synapse doesn’t stop there. The walls even play a role in the game’s reloading system.

Inspired by its fast-paced nature, Synapse offers a unique reloading method. Forget fiddly inventory management—here, magazines float, waiting for a quick, seamless reload action. In this sci-fi setting, it makes sense and keeps the game’s rhythm intact.

The cover mechanic marries perfectly with this system. While using one hand for cover, players can reload by simply pushing magazines against a wall. This design not only facilitates gameplay but further reinforces that tangible interaction with the virtual world.

This tangible interaction with walls means you need to sense how close you are to them, deepening your proprioceptive engagement. The result? A game world that feels authentic, giving you the sensation of genuinely occupying it.

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When a VR world feels more real, you become more convinced you’re truly in it. That’s embodiment—a step beyond immersive visuals into a space where interactions feel physically significant. Synapse amplifies this with its telekinesis mechanics, inviting you to extend your physical reach in virtual reality.

Ready to explore further? Dive into Page 2 as we uncover the telekinetic wonders of Synapse.