Navigating the Path to VR Game Development

Virtual reality (VR) enables you to interact with digital spaces using real-time rendering to create responsive environments for education, learning, and entertainment. VR software helps develop and run VR applications and is compatible with smartphones, PCs, gaming consoles, and laptops. The main goal of VR is to make you feel that you are present in a different reality and allow you to engage with virtual worlds.

Virtual reality is gaining popularity across multiple industries, especially video games. According to the Virtual Reality in Gaming Market Overview, the global VR gaming market is worth about 17.96 billion USD as of 2023 and is expected to increase to 189.17 billion USD by 2032 [1]. With increased accessibility to VR hardware, you can expect dramatic growth in the number of VR game titles in the future. If you’re considering a career in VR technology, it’s worth noting that VR game developers earn an average annual salary of $76,918, according to Glassdoor [2].

Learn about the world of VR game development, how to design interactive experiences, and the challenges you may face as a VR game developer. 

The basics of VR game development

As a VR game developer, you'll focus on creating video games that require VR hardware. You'll immerse players by simulating a 3D environment through stereoscopic displays. Immersive graphics and art design, player agency, and technical innovation, such as mobility, are all key elements of VR game development.

Understanding VR technology

VR technology is typically split into two components: motion controllers and headsets. Several VR motion controllers can be used, including the Oculus Touch, PlayStation Move, and HTC Vive wand. The VR headset you choose can significantly impact your ability to play and make games.

Some VR headsets, including the Sony PlayStation VR2 and the Valve Index VR Kit, come with their native controllers.

Platforms for development

You can use Unity for VR game development—it provides a powerful 3D editor, built-in artist and designer tools, and various collaboration features. You can also use Unreal Engine to develop VR games, where you can access blueprint visual scripting, virtual shadow maps, and multiplayer frameworks.

Tools for development

Depending on the headset you want to develop, you'll need the appropriate specialized software development kit (SDK). These kits typically contain libraries, samples, guides, tutorials, blueprints, and other features. Popular SDKs include the HTC Vive OpenVR, the PSVR Dev Kit, and OpenVR from Valve Software.

Design principles in VR gaming

Designing VR games requires a unique approach distinct from traditional game development. Using spatial design, you can create immersive experiences that allow players to suspend disbelief and engage with their virtual environment like real life.

The level of control you have over your VR headsets and hand controllers is measured in degrees of freedom (DoF). Some headsets track only rotational movement, providing three degrees of freedom (one for each rotational axis). Other headsets track movement in space, offering six degrees of freedom, or 6DoF—three for rotation and three for translation.

Crafting immersive environments

VR can be an escape for many players, so immersive graphics and art design are critical. They must avoid technical issues and bland visuals. VR game design requires the creation of art, mechanics, and characters that successfully guide players through expansive, interactive worlds while giving them a sense of control.

Interactivity and user experience

As a VR game developer, it is important to consider implementing proper haptic feedback systems for the user to communicate how close an object is, its physical resistance, or collision. You can accomplish this using vibration in various ways, such as a stable vibration to indicate leaving an interaction zone, a mild tap vibration when you grab an object, or a firm tap when a significant collision occurs, such as swords clashing.

The VR game development process

Creating a unique virtual world rich in visuals and sound effects makes VR game development challenging yet satisfying. VR game development involves various steps, including developing a concept and prototype, testing the concept, and optimizing it to refine it. Review these steps in more detail.

1. Conceptualization and prototyping

The concept creation phase is all about exploration without constraints. During brainstorming, you let yourself experiment freely and can worry about technical limitations afterward. Another essential step in creating VR games is prototyping, the phase where you will want to focus on core mechanics, not graphics. Begin with basic shapes and test the core gameplay to see if it feels fun and compelling.

2. Development and testing

When working in this industry, it’s helpful to know some of the specific elements of VR game development, including programming, digital asset creation, sound design, testing, and optimization.

• Programming: Use a game engine and SDKs to develop game logic, interactions, and features tailored for VR.

• Asset creation: To create digital assets, mechanics, and sound, you’ll need tools like Blender for 3D modeling and Unreal Engine for game development. Both are free, making them ideal for indie developers.

• Sound design: Sound is essential for adding realism and immersion to your VR environment. Audio effects vary significantly depending on whether they’re heard through speakers, headphones, or immersive VR headsets.

• Testing and optimization: This stage of development includes performance optimization, bug fixing, and polishing to refine the game’s complete experience.

Challenges in VR development

As a VR game developer, you may face several challenges, including the high barrier to entry caused by the high cost of VR headsets. Other potential challenges include:

• Unique technical challenges: Each major VR headset, such as Meta Quest 3, Apple Vision Pro, and PlayStation VR2, presents unique challenges that must be addressed before games can reach players.

• Potential for graphics problems: Virtual reality games offer richer visuals, immersing players more deeply, heightening the need for cohesion and accuracy.

• User discomfort: VR experiences can cause eye strain and motion sickness. You can minimize this by optimizing frame rates, balancing action with stationary visuals, and benefiting from advancements in lighter, more comfortable VR headsets.

Implement the previously mentioned design principles to overcome these challenges and enhance your development experience.

Getting started in VR game development

To become a VR game developer, you'll want to get a bachelor’s degree in computer science, game development, or a similar field. While a degree is not necessary to secure a position in VR game development, it can boost your qualifications.

Building a portfolio

Once you have the essential technical skills, which can be obtained through online learning, you can use them to create a standout portfolio showcasing your abilities as a developer. You can tailor your portfolio to your desired role by including immersive simulations and interactive VR experiences.

Certifications and certificates

Certifications and certificates can help you further stand out among other developers and expand your expertise in the field. Some popular certifications for VR developers include Unity’s Certified User: VR Developer, Global Tech Council’s Certified Virtual Reality (VR) Expert Certification, and NYU’s Professional Certificate in AR/VR Development and 3D Graphics.

Searching for a job

You can begin your job search by exploring online job boards, career sites, and professional networking platforms focused on the virtual reality industry. You can also participate in industry events, like conferences and hackathons, to network with others and begin forming relationships with professionals in the virtual reality development community.

Begin your VR game development path with Coursera

VR game development is a dynamic process, but with the proper training, you can pursue a career in this industry. You can find a variety of game development courses on Coursera to start your journey in this growing area of the economy. Consider the Making Your First Virtual Reality Game course from the University of London to discover more about creating VR games. Or further your understanding of game design principles with the Game Design: Art and Concepts Specialization from CalArts.