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GDC Festival of Gaming
March 9-13, 2026
Moscone CenterSan Francisco, CA
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All Sessions Speakers

You're the Controller: Creating Intuitive VR Handtracking Interactions

Future Realities Summit
Celine Tricart  (President, COVEN, COVEN)
Location: Room 2016, West Hall
Date: Thursday, March 12
Time: 11:20 am - 11:50 am
Pass Type: Festival Pass, Game Changer Pass - Get your pass now!
Audience Level: All
Track: Design
Format: Lecture
Vault Recording: Video
Audience Level: All
Celine Tricart

Join us as we explore the creation of an acclaimed VR hand-tracking game and discuss what we learned over the course of the three years production. Discover how we leveraged insights from over 500 playtesters, primarily non-gamers, to design intuitive gesture-based controls —distinct from traditional button-based commands. Learn about our meticulous tutorial design - inspired by martial arts and self-defense training - evolving level progression - ensuring mastery before introducing complexity - and continuous playtesting - beginning with early proofs of concept and refining through each development phase. Gain insights into the technological advancements in hand tracking for VR, AR et MR, and see what the future holds for hands-first gaming experiences on Meta Quest, Apple Vision Pro and all other hand tracking- compatible devices.

Takeaway

Attendees will gain insights into creating VR hand-tracking games, including designing intuitive gesture-based controls from over 500 playtester insights, developing martial arts-inspired tutorials, evolving level progression, and continuous playtesting. They'll also learn about technological advancements in hand tracking for VR, AR, and MR, and future applications on Meta Quest and Apple Vision Pro.

Intended Audience

The target audience includes VR developers, game designers, and technologists focused on hand-tracking interfaces. Beneficiaries are those interested in advancing hand-tracking tech and game design. Pre-requisite knowledge includes basic understanding of VR development, hand-tracking technology, and game design principles to fully grasp the session content.