Start with the physical boundary
Map the usable physical play area before dressing the virtual environment. Establish where players can move, where equipment sits, and how staff can intervene without crossing active movement paths.
Keep the playable boundary visible and consistent across stations. If a game’s virtual space extends beyond safe physical movement, use clear design cues and event procedures to help players understand where the limit lies.
Make tracking access comparable
Compare sensor sightlines and likely occlusion paths for every position. Avoid a layout where one player can repeatedly hide a controller from tracking while an opponent cannot. Consider turns, crouches, two-handed actions, and nearby bodies or props.
Virtual cover and geometry should not accidentally amplify different tracking conditions. Walk the space from each player position, test the same movement pattern, and check that visibility does not vary unfairly by side.
Control the sensory scene
Lighting, reflective surfaces, cables, physical signage, and crowd movement can influence the practical setup. Maintain clear circulation for competitors and staff. Keep the active arena visually readable: distinguish interactive objects from background detail and communicate boundaries without relying on a single subtle cue.
Verify the station reference →