Real-time graphics in general, not just VR, has always had "tricks" at its core. What has drawn me to that subfield of graphics is I think the collection of 'hacks' and deceptions that are needed for the user/viewer to buy into the virtual environment, whether on a desktop screen or in an HMD. There's an aspect of cleverness about it all that I enjoy -- from billboarding faraway objects instead of rendering them as 3D to baking static shadows into textures before runtime.

I wonder if there have been any in-depth articles examining comparisons between real-time graphics and stagecraft. The design of props and backgrounds in the theatre has similar objectives -- not necessarily fooling the audience into thinking it's real, but using a collection of 'tricks' to extend the capabilities of the stage to achieve greater effects. When attending a performance of The Nutcracker a few months ago, I found myself fascinated by how the multiple layers of forced-perspective backdrops offered a greater sense of depth to the stage.