10 Essential VR Skills

A virtual reality (VR) developer career offers high pay and a chance to thrive in a growing industry. To succeed, VR developers combine technical expertise with creative vision to design immersive worlds that captivate users. Mastering tools such as 3D modeling software and understanding the capabilities of VR wearables are key technical skills, while gamification and user experience design enhance the creative aspects of the role. By developing these skills, you can bring engaging, interactive environments to life and stay at the forefront of this cutting-edge field.

Explore what a VR developer does and the skills you’ll need to begin in the field. 

What is a virtual reality developer? 

A VR developer is a software developer who creates VR applications, including games, VR training, educational material, and VR-based business and industry solutions. According to Glassdoor, the average base salary for a VR developer in the US is $76,918, with an additional average pay of $49,623 in bonuses, commissions, or extra pay [1].

The VR development industry is forecasted to have a positive outlook in the US over the next decade. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, software developer jobs will grow 17 percent from 2023 to 2033 [2]. Statista reports that the VR and augmented reality (AR) markets in the US will be worth $12.6 billion in 202, and will grow at a compounded annual rate of 8.53 percent, reaching a value of $16.4 billion by 2029 [3].

What skills do you need for a VR career? 

To start a VR career, you will need the skill set to design, create, test, and maintain VR programs. You will need the required technical skills, such as 3D modeling, VR platforms, or operating systems, as well as design and creative skills like environment design, UI/UX design, and sound design. Depending on your projects or industries, you may need data analysis skills to gain insight from the data your VR program collects.

Technical VR skills

Creating immersive digital worlds requires many pieces of technology. To become a VR developer, you’ll need to know how to work with VR tech, like 3D modeling technology, hardware, software, software development kits (SDKs), and programming languages.

1. 3D modeling and rendering: When your users interact with the virtual environment you create, they will interact and view objects in 3D. 3D modeling and rendering programs allow you to make these objects and give you the tools to create an environment where your users can freely explore in 360 degrees. A few programs in which you can gain experience include Blender, SketchUp, Autodesk, Tinkercad, and Cinema 4D.

2. VR operating wearables: To create VR games, you will need experience working with the VR platforms and wearables people will use to access your game. These include Meta Quest, HTC VIVE, Samsung Gear VR, and PlayStation VR.

3. 3D programming tools: You will need experience working with 3D platforms and tools like Unreal Engine and Unity VR. These game design platforms offer tools like integrated development environments, 3D modeling and design tools, tools for creating realistic landscapes (such as realistic foliage, sunlight, and water effects), animation tools, and gameplay mechanics like multiplayer and AI-controlled characters.

4. Familiarity with VR software and SDKs: You can use SDKs to create VR programs for specific platforms. For example, you may use the Meta Horizon Platform SDK to develop games or programs that users can run on a Meta Quest headset. The SDK will allow you to access additional features and functionality, such as code libraries, APIs, visual editors, documentation, and tools for testing.

5. Device specifications: Your VR programs need other devices to function correctly, such as graphics cards, displays, laptops, sensors, controllers, and other peripheral hardware. You must understand how the specifications of these devices both limit and expand your programming options.

6. Programming languages for VR: Even though the tools mentioned above feature resources that can help you minimize the original code you need to write, you will likely still need to have a working knowledge of programming languages to develop VR games or apps. A few examples of programming languages that may be relevant include C#, C++, JavaScript, Python, Java, and POPO (which stands for Pop On Pop Off).

VR design skills

Your technical VR skills will help you use the equipment and technology needed to create VR games, but your design and creative VR skills will help you create a satisfying app that your users will enjoy using. These include UX design, narrative development, gamification, and instructional design.

1. UX/UI design: To create engaging and satisfying VR programs, you will need a working knowledge of UX/UI design. This refers to designing the parts of the program the user will interact with, ensuring an intuitive, easy-to-use, and pleasant experience. 

2. Narrative development: You can use VR games and apps to tell stories similar to how you might tell stories using other media like television, video games, or the theatre. VR allows users to become part of the story beyond these media. With skills in narrative development, you can create engaging stories that add value and meaning for your users. Using the plot and the details like background music, sounds, or interaction with objects in the game can help your users feel like they are a part of the story. 

3. Gamification design principles: By understanding the psychology behind gaming, you can adapt these principles to create more engaging VR apps. Gamification can help users feel more connected to the material they’re learning, or feel like the stakes within the VR program are high, and that the goal is vital to accomplish. 

4. Instructional design: In addition to gaming and entertainment, VR technology can be used to enhance training and learning outcomes for young students and working professionals. These principles include understanding what users need to learn, mapping those learning objectives into the user experience, and creating a curriculum.

How to learn VR skills

To learn the skills you’ll need to be successful as a VR developer or experience designer, consider completing traditional degree programs, certifications, boot camps, courses, or portfolio projects that can demonstrate your skills to potential employers.

Degree programs

One strategy many VR developers use to gain VR skills is earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software development, or a related field. These programs can help you build foundational knowledge in one comprehensive program.

Certifications

Another way to learn skills and demonstrate your competencies is to earn a certification in a VR-related skill. You can pursue certification to learn specific skills or replace a traditional degree. A few certification examples for VR developers include:

• Unity: VR Developer 

• Global Tech Council: Certified VR Expert

• Blockchain Council: Certified VR Developer

Courses

You can also gain specialized skills by taking individual courses. This flexible learning approach allows you to fill knowledge gaps or build new skills after completing a structured program, such as a degree. It can also help you develop foundational skills while working toward a certification.

Consider enrolling in Introduction to Virtual Reality, offered by the University of London on Coursera, to learn the basics about creating VR programs. 

Learn VR skills on Coursera

Starting a career as a VR developer means gaining skills in VR technology, such as 3D modeling software, understanding wearable VR tech and the components it needs to operate, and design principles like gamification and instructional design. 

Find programs on Coursera to begin learning about VR development. You could complete a Virtual Reality Specialization, a 5-course series offered by the University of London to learn more about virtual reality, creating virtual worlds, interaction design, and 3D graphics.