The 21st century has brought innovations to satisfy the needs and wants of the modern day consumers. Technology has been expanding paving the way for virtual reality. Many developers are becoming interested in developing games that would allow gamers to experience events that might not be really happening at the moment but will allow them to perceive it as nothing but real. Virtual reality game developers are keys to bring better entertainment and satisfaction to all ages living in this growing society.
What are Virtual Reality (VR) Games?
Have you heard about virtual reality? Have you seen arcades or game centers where in players have been able to experience first hand and be part of the virtual game they are playing? Have you tried it for your own self?
Virtual reality is making a person experience a situation that is near reality. Virtual reality games allow the application of the three-dimensional artificial environment to computer games. These kinds of games allow social interaction and opportunities for families and friends to bond and spend time together. Imagine playing games that allow you to experience the challenge first hand, who else would not want to try one?
What does it offer?
As virtual reality become more popularly known to people, it has brought about different benefits not only for the consumers who will be using it but also for the developers who are willing to learn to develop VR games.
For a person who wants to develop something new, things would not be easy because he/she has to undergo steps and processes to be able to develop the product he/she wants and bring about the services he/she wanted to provide. In order to increase the motivation of game developers and users as they engage in virtual reality, here are the list of what they could benefit from it:
To the Consumers/Users
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- Provides amazing game play experience
- Provides chance to experience interaction in the virtual world
- Allows opportunities for friends or relatives to spend time together
To the developers
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- Possible source of income
- Contribution to the virtual world
- May bring about sense of accomplishment
- Enables workers to practice taking decisions in risk-free environments
Moreover, virtual reality games improve communication and interaction on both users and developers. These help them widen their imagination, improve their knowledge, develop their skills and allow them both to experience things that they have not experienced before. Moreover, virtual reality games have never failed to motivate and help workers solve problems.
What to prepare for developing Virtual Reality Games?
Before you can develop and apply your knowledge and skills in developing virtual reality games, game developers must first experience existing ones first hand or at least that which is near from what they want to develop.
- Resources
Make a budget plan for all the resources you will be need. Capital would be one of the first thing needed in order to develop a game. A list of materials, from hardware to software must be provided. Allocate enough budget to major and minor requirements to evaluate if budget adequacy.
- Manpower
As needed and depending on the feasibility, prepare the members for the division of game development- from design to hardware to testing.
- Time and schedule
A VR game developer must be able to set adequate time for the development of his/her desired games. This period and scheduled set must be followed in order to finish things on time and to be able to save resources
How to Learn to Develop Virtual Reality Games?
To learn to develop VR games, there are things to remember to bring about the best product possible. Here is the list:
- Understand the Hardware
The existing market can offer a number of possible hardware to use. It is the choice of the developer on what he believes would be the best for his/her preferences. Make sure to canvas and read about the hardware being eyed.
- Set Target Audience and Platform
You have to set your mind regarding the audience you wanted for the game to be developed. It is just like in starting a business. Ask yourself, who do you want to gain from your products and services?
- Prototyping
In order to be fully successful, build a prototype and allow others to try it. Make sure to get feedback, positive and negative comments so that you can improve for the main event.
- Interface and Controls
User experience should also be prioritized. The interface of the game, plus sounds and game controls must be well developed for the benefit of the players. Consider the target audience and complement the game to develop with it.
- Learn about Existing Virtual Reality Games
Just like a student who is reading books to learn, you also have to learn about successful virtual reality games. Learn about their methods, their flaws, what you could improve and adjust in order to develop a better virtual reality game.
- Collaboration
Make sure to expand your connections with people who could help. If feasible and depending on the complexity of game, it is highly recommended to have members assigned for design, development and testing.
- Ask continuous feedbacks
Although you have tried prototyping and you have been provided with comments so that you could improve the game being developed, as a VR game developer you need to continuously ask feedbacks from the first users of your creation especially if there are major changes being applied.
- Be Updated
Be updated with new researches and changes regarding virtual reality. Learn also about new materials, services and other resources available. You could also enroll yourself to tutorials and seminars regarding virtual game development if available.
Conclusion
`To be able to learn to develop a virtual game reality, it requires not only resources, knowledge and skills but more importantly, patience, motivation and the heart to be able to start and finish it until the successful product is developed. This is what a true virtual reality game developer has.
(Keywords: VR game developer, learn to develop VR games)
References:
http://blog.liveedu.tv/10-tips-to-start-with-virtual-reality-game-development/
http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/virtual-reality-gaming-VR-gaming
http://bgame-project.eu/blog/2016/11/08/the-5-benefits-of-virtual-games/