Impact of Ambient Lighting and 3D Game Content on Depth Perception

Sari S., Gok A., Yilmaz G. N., Cimtay Y.

5th International Conference on Informatics and Software Engineering, IISEC 2026, Ankara, Turkey, 5 - 06 February 2026, pp.584-588, (Full Text) identifier

  • Publication Type: Conference Paper / Full Text
  • Doi Number: 10.1109/iisec69317.2026.11418507
  • City: Ankara
  • Country: Turkey
  • Page Numbers: pp.584-588
  • Keywords: 3D video content, ambient lighting, atmospheric perspective, auto-stereoscopic display, depth perception, Tower of Hanoi
  • TED University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This study investigates how ambient lighting and properties of immersive three-dimensional (3D) video content shape depth perception and perceived video quality. It further examines how these factors jointly influence viewer engagement and task performance during immersive activities, exemplified by the Tower of Hanoi game. Using an auto-stereoscopic display, subjective experiments were carried out with custom Unity-based content designed to create realistic environments and support dynamic interaction. Participants were exposed to different lighting conditions and 3D content settings to evaluate their effects on depth perception and video quality. The results indicate that ambient lighting has a marked impact on perceptual experience, with well-lit conditions enhancing video quality awareness, which in turn promotes higher engagement and more effective cognitive processing.