To be Non-human: From Player Reviews to Design Opportunities for VR Animal Games

This study investigates the design of non-human animal embodiment in Virtual Reality games to address the gaps in XR animal embodiment, authenticity, and de-anthropocentric game design. Through a thematic analysis of player reviews (Study 1), we identified four interaction types that demonstrated how anthropocentric logic often limits immersion. Subsequently, six co-design workshops (Study 2) with 18 participants elicited 12 actionable design opportunities. Our findings suggest that effective de-anthropocentric design should prioritize selective mimicry and algorithmic assistance over full morphological simulation. This work bridges theory and practice, providing design pathways for creating transformative non-human perspectives in immersive environments.