Relaxed or Tense? Mutual Biosignal Transmission with Heartbeat Vibrations during Online Gameplay

Abstract: Esports offers a platform for players to engage in competitive and cooperative gaming with others remotely via the Internet. Despite these opportunities for social interaction, many players may still experience loneliness while playing online games. This study aims to enhance the social presence of partner players during online gameplay. The demonstration system, designed for 1-on-1 online competitive games, mutually transmits the partner's biosignals, through heartbeat-like vibrotactile stimuli. The system generates vibrotactile signals that represent two-dimensional emotions, arousal and valence, based on biosignals such as heart rate and electrodermal activity.