In this article we are going to explain the 3 keys to becoming an expert in Virtual Reality. We are going to do it, hand in hand with our teachers from the Master in Virtual Reality: Javier Escorihuela and Fernando Gómez, CEO and CTO of isostopy. Isostopy is a company dedicated to the development of immersive experiences in both virtual reality and augmented reality.

Although this article is going to focus exclusively on virtual reality, you may be interested in learning more about what they are and the differences between virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality.

Why become a VR expert?

Traditionally, virtual reality has been a technology applied massively to the world of video games and marketing. However, there are more and more sectors and professional profiles in which the applications and uses of virtual reality proliferate:

• Architecture: it can be used both to project and review designs and to communicate these projects to our clients.
• Engineering: allows to control all phases of work or process and train staff.
• Artists: They can create physically impossible works beyond the limits of reality.
• Infographics: Visitable experiences can be created in real time.
• Designers: They can create the designs directly in VR and then present them in a much more attractive way.
• …

A fundamental aspect of virtual reality: devices

We already know that the central topic of today is to know the 3 keys to become an expert in virtual reality. However, an important aspect that you must understand is that of Virtual Reality devices. Therefore, we are going to explain the ecosystem of VR glasses that exist, going from the cheapest to the most expensive:

• At the base of the pyramid would be those devices designed to work with a mobile phone. And here, the cheapest option is the cardboard or cardboard glasses in which the mobile device can be inserted. Its price would range from €1 to €25.
• If we want more sophisticated options, but also for Smartphones, we have high-end Smartphone glasses. These work in a similar way to the previous ones but allow you to configure some parameters. However, we are still limited by our phone. The great advantage is that we all have a Smartphone and It is the way to get that technology to the great masses.
• If we go up one step, we would have glasses for high-end mobile phones such as the Samsung Gear, which only work with high-end Samsung mobiles. Being specifically developed for high-end mobiles, they allow us greater features and incorporate some new controls: touch trackpad, audio controls… In general, the experience obtained is much more professional.
• In the next step we would have the video console glasses like those of Play Station. These offer greater benefits than those of Smartphones and are mainly focused on the world of leisure.
• At the top of the pyramid are PC glasses, the top of the range. Here we have the Oculus Rift and the HTC Vive. The great advantage of this type of glasses is that they allow absolute positioning, that is, the glasses will detect not only where we are looking but also allow us to move through space. Through a series of sensors, this effect can be achieved.

In fact, if you want to explore the subject of devices in more depth, on our blog you can find an article that tells you which are the best virtual reality glasses for Smartphones.

And now yes, without further delay, let’s focus on the central issue at hand:

The 3 keys to becoming an expert in Virtual Reality

1. 3D modeling

You have to control the three-dimensional modeling very well, since in virtual reality you work on three-dimensional spaces.

3D models are the basis for creating Virtual Reality experiences.

Therefore, if we want to create optimal 3D spaces, from scratch and that we can fully control and customize, we need to know how those models are created and how they are controlled.

The 3D models that we have created with architectural software such as Autodesk Revit or Rhinoceros can serve as a starting point. However, in virtual reality, we are going to need to pass the 3D models to software that allows us to control meshes. Some examples are 3D Studio, Maya or Cinema 4D. This type of software will allow us to control 100% how the models are, how the textures are represented on them or how to apply lighting to our virtual reality experience.

When you create a VR experience, you’re not going to create a render or set of renders to make a video. It will be something more similar to a video game, where the model will be what is going to be rendered in real time. For this we need to do a series of actions/tricks with these meshes. These actions, again, will be carried out in these programs that work with meshes.

2. Video Game Engines

Video game engines are the tool that will allow us to go from that static image to that hyper-realistic image in real time.

Video game engines are software that will allow us to create virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality experiences.

The main software we have on the market are Unreal Engine and Unity.

Video game engines have become the main tool for creating virtual and augmented reality experiences.

In these video game engines we are going to use the 3D models that we have created with the aforementioned software and we are going to bring them to life: we are going to be able to add lighting, materials and add interactivity to them through programming. Let’s say we can give it the interactivity of a video game and apply it to a more professional environment.

In other words, we can use this type of tool in fields beyond leisure and entertainment.

In addition, these video game engines are multiplatform systems: this means that if I make a project, I can take it out for various platforms such as iOS, Android, PC, PlayStation, XBOX… This offers us a lot of agility without having to make a great effort. or a new project from scratch.

3. Programming

This last key is usually the one that scares the most for many professionals who want to start in the world of VR, unless they are developers, computer engineers…

The programming is going to be the base on which the different interactions of our virtual reality project are going to be created. Through programming, it is possible to add any type of behavior to the elements that make up the VR experience.

It is not necessary to be an expert programmer, but it is convenient to have certain knowledge to be able to create interactions

However, there is no need to be scared because a small base is enough to start generating interactive activities. In fact, in Unreal there is a basic programming interface with which you can program easily using instruction nodes.

And how do I become an expert in all this?

Good question.

As you may have seen, becoming an expert in this sector requires learning in 3 main areas: 3D modeling, video game engines, and programming.

Perhaps you master one of these areas. Or maybe none of them.

However, in both cases, training will be a fundamental piece that will help you master the 3 keys to becoming the VR expert you want to be.

If you are still a novice in the world of VR and do not control any of the 3 pillars, I recommend that you train with a more complete program such as our Master in Virtual Reality. In fact, in this case, you can start training with our Free Virtual Reality Course.

If you master any of them, you can train with more specific virtual reality courses.

In any case, training will be essential for you to master all the necessary tools to create professional VR experiences.

Oh, by the way, if you liked this article, share it on your social networks.