The integration of a P300-based brain-computer interface (BCI) into virtual reality (VR) environments is promising for the video games industry. However, it faces several limitations, mainly due to hardware constraints and constraints engendered by the stimulation needed by the BCI. The main limitation is still the low transfer rate that can be achieved by current BCI technology. The goal of this paper is to review current limitations and to provide application creators with design recommendations in order to overcome them. We also overview current VR and BCI commercial products in relation to the design of video games. An essential recommendation is to use the BCI only for non-complex and non-critical tasks in the game. Also, the BCI should be used to control actions that are naturally integrated into the virtual world. Finally, adventure and simulation games, especially if cooperative (multi-user) appear the best candidates for designing an effective VR game enriched by BCI technology.

A brain-computer interface (BCI) based on electroencephalography (EEG) is a promising technology for enhancing virtual reality (VR) applications-in particular, for gaming. We focus on the so-called P300-BCI, a stable and accurate BCI paradigm relying on the recognition of a positive eventrelated potential (ERP) occurring in the EEG about 300 ms poststimulation. We implemented a basic version of such a BCI displayed on an ordinary and affordable smartphone-based headmounted VR device: that is, a mobile and passive VR system (with no electronic components beyond the smartphone). The mobile phone performed the stimuli presentation, EEG synchronization (tagging) and feedback display. We compared the ERPs and the accuracy of the BCI on the VR device with a traditional BCI running on a personal computer (PC). We also evaluated the impact of subjective factors on the accuracy. The study was within-subjects, with 21 participants and one session in each modality. No significant difference in BCI accuracy was found between the PC and VR systems, although the P200 ERP was significantly wider and larger in the VR system as compared to the PC system.