# New research suggests that hyper-real virtual reality environments could help trigger positive emotional states such as awe, joy, and calm.

*semiconductor · news · 2026-04-13 · Digital Trends*

## Key points

- Murdoch University research finds hyper-real VR can trigger positive states like awe and calm.
- Early VR studies focused on negative emotions; positive effects in hyper-real environments were underexplored.
- Dynamic lighting and large-scale geometry in VR specifically boost calmness and awe.
- Emotional states in VR influence engagement, memory retention, and decision-making, not just aesthetics.

**Companies:** Nvidia
**Countries:** Australia

[Read the full story on Digital Trends](https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/nvidia-is-pushing-hyper-realism-in-games-but-researchers-say-the-real-human-benefits-come-in-vr/)

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