Virtual Nest: A Gamified 2D Spatial Communication Platform for Enhanced Remote Interaction

Abstract

Immersive communication platform Virtual Nest provides a 2D gamified environment aimed at improving remote collaboration with avatar-based navigation, spatial interactions, and real-time communication. Developed to overcome growing problems of user fatigue, emotional disconnection, and drop-off in engagement from traditional video conferencing platforms, Virtual Nest provides proximity-activated audio and video features, combined with personalized avatars and dynamic digital spaces. The platform allows participants to join and leave discussions naturally, based on spatial closeness, in accordance with social behavior in the physical world. Built on top of technologies such as Phaser.js, WebRTC, and PostgreSQL, the platform offers low-latency performance despite varied hardware capability and network environments. Pilot-user testing with participants like students and remote workers resulted in high user satisfaction, increased user engagement, and reduced cognitive fatigue. Innovative features such as gamified work, badge reward systems, and a responsive UI result in sustainable user interest and a richer web presence. Early feedback from pilots verified usability, technical responsiveness, and simplicity of the platform. Virtual Nest went one step further than redesigning online communication to provide an inclusive, browser-hosted, interactive experience introducing function, fun, and a community feeling to the virtual world.