Skills Required to Become a AR/VR Developer

How does one become an AR/VR Developer? What skills are required to become employable in this domain? Those are the questions we will be tackling in this blog post.

Primarily within the AR/VR domain, there are three career pathways to choose from 

• AR/VR Programmer
• 3D Artist
• 2D Artist

Let’s look into the required skills one has to develop for each of those domains  

1. AR/VR Programmer

• Proficiency in Programming Languages: Knowledge of languages such as C#, C++, and JavaScript is essential. C# is particularly important for Unity, a popular game engine for VR and AR development, while C++ is crucial for Unreal Engine.
  
  
• Understanding of Scripting: Writing clean scripts to control the behaviour of objects and environments within VR/AR applications is fundamental.
  
  
• Unity and Unreal Engine: These are the leading platforms for VR and AR development. Unity is known for its flexibility and user-friendly interface, while Unreal Engine offers high-fidelity graphics and robust performance.
  

• AR SDKs and APIs: Experience with ARKit (for iOS), ARCore (for Android), and Microsoft’s Mixed Reality Toolkit is necessary for creating AR applications.
  
  
• Linear Algebra and Geometry: Essential for understanding and manipulating 3D spaces.
  
  
• Physics: Basic knowledge of physics helps in creating realistic interactions and movements within the virtual environment.
  
  

2. 3D Artist

• 3D Art Pipeline: Understanding how to design and manipulate 3D objects is crucial for immersive experiences. Thus, upskilling in areas like 3D modelling, sculpting, texturing, rigging, animation and 3D asset optimization is important.
  
  
• 3D Modeling Software: Proficiency in software like Blender, Maya, and Zbrush is important for creating 3D assets.
  
  
• Spatial Awareness: An understanding of how objects and environments interact in 3D space helps in creating realistic and engaging VR/AR applications.
  
  

3. 2D Artist

• User Experience (UX) Design: Knowledge of UX principles specific to VR and AR ensures that applications are intuitive and engaging. This includes understanding user interaction, navigation, and comfort within virtual spaces.
  
  
• User Interface (UI) Design: Creating effective and aesthetically pleasing interfaces that enhance user interaction within VR and AR environments.
  
  

4. Common Skills & Mindset 

• Creative Thinking: Ability to design unique and engaging experiences.
  
  
• Problem-Solving: Ability to think outside the box to solve complex real-time problems.
• Collaboration: Working effectively with designers, artists, and other developers.
  
  
• Communication: Conveying ideas and feedback within a team.
  
  
• Continual Learning: VR and AR technologies are rapidly evolving. Staying informed about the latest trends, tools, and techniques is crucial for ongoing success in the field.

By developing these skills, you can position yourself as a capable and innovative VR and AR developer, ready to create immersive and impactful experiences