The use of virtual reality, or VR for short, creates impressive parallel worlds. The technology is best known from the gaming sector, but virtual spaces are also playing an increasingly important role in working life. 

There are many areas of application in which companies can tackle promising projects with the help of a professional VR agency. However, talented developers are needed to keep developing this promising technology. 

The following article explains the daily routine of a VR Agentur and the skills required for this job. 

The tasks of a VR developer

In the field of VR development, programming and design go hand in hand. This means that close collaboration between computer scientists and designers is the order of the day. 

As a rule, designers also need to familiarize themselves with the basics of programming, but it is hardly necessary for IT experts to necessarily master design as well. They are more concerned with translating the designers’ drafts into corresponding codes. It depends on the project whether the VR developer is responsible for the user interface and the front end, the basic platforms and SDKs, or the back end. 

Nevertheless, it is always true that development and design in VR are very closely intertwined. Therefore, it can mean a certain advantage if the developers also have an interest in the design area. Especially in game development, creativity plays a big role. However, this does not apply to all jobs in the field of VR. 

VR developers create a three-dimensional environment with which the user must be able to interact intuitively and safely, regardless of whether this is in a work or leisure context. The focus is always on the user experience. After all, users must be able to move safely in the virtual worlds without putting themselves in danger in reality. In addition, meaningful interactions with virtual reality must be possible, which is why extensive test runs are an integral part of all VR developments. 

In addition, VR developers fundamentally have more points of contact with customers and users than other IT specialists. Today, there are still many applications for which no established solutions exist. Therefore, the first step is to understand the actual need in order to develop suitable solutions based on it. The tasks also include problem and incident management. 

The workplace of a VR developer 

Even today, VR development is still a niche area in which only a limited number of vacancies can be found. However, some large companies already have internal VR departments in which projects relevant to the topic are bundled. For example, VR technology has already been used for several years in the architecture sector, the aviation industry and the automotive industry. 

However, VR developers are much more likely to work on projects alone or in very manageable teams. In the VR sector, the smaller employers represent, for example, media service providers or gaming studios. Programming and design are often very closely linked in these. 

In addition, however, agencies can also be found that specialize in supporting their clients with VR services. In such agencies, VR developers have the chance to get to know many different projects, industries and topics, for example in the areas of e-commerce or e-learning. 

The possible specializations

In general, two broad categories can be distinguished in the field of VR, namely VR in entertainment and media contexts and VR in companies. 

If VR developments are used internally in companies, the focus is primarily on functionality. Virtual models are used in architecture or product development, for example, to represent or simulate constructions. The role of aesthetics is a secondary one. 

However, if VR is used for games for private customers or in large media projects, the situation is different. In this area, the goal is to create a world that is as close to reality as possible. Thus, the work of VR developers working in this field is always closely interwoven with design issues as well.  

The skills of a VR developer

VR developers primarily use multi-paradigm programming languages, such as C++ or C#. In addition, the media and entertainment sector works with common software programs, such as engines from game development. Engines control the course of the game and represent it visually. However, they can also be used in the development environment. 

Those who have already gained experience as game developers are thus definitely at an advantage. However, a degree in computer science can also be a good starting point to start a career as a VR developer. 

In general, there should be an interest in the further development of technologies. In addition, a little creativity is necessary to design impressive virtual worlds that will delight users across the board. VR developers also benefit if they have the necessary team spirit and can empathize with the needs of users in order to develop innovative solutions together.