Virtual reality (VR) is the future of the technology field; therefore, it is no surprise that the demand for talented VR developers constantly grows.
But what is a day in the life of a VR dev like? This article will give you a deep look at their daily duties. Scroll down and explore the tasks on the path to successful projects!
An Overview of VR Developer
Before diving into the daily tasks of vr developers, I will give you an overview of this profession. What are they?
VR developers design and implement software apps for VR environments. These experts leverage VR’s immersive and interactive characteristics to create many experiences.
The duties for this role may include the following:
- Plan, prototype, and write code for VR apps
- Create new apps and improve existing ones
- Update and maintain computer hardware
- Produce new items or functions to enhance the user interface
- Make 3D models
- Test new features
- Verify designs
The working environments for these experts are flexible. It can be offices, manufacturing facilities, or research centers. Furthermore, they may commute to join conferences, conduct fieldwork, or meet their customers.
A Day In The Life Of A VR Developer
I have shown you a brief look at the roles of these experts. I also have been working as a VR developer. My tasks may vary depending on my company. Here is what I do day by day!
At Work
I work as a full-time VR developer. I often spend around eight hours at the office. My responsibilities are different day by day. Yet, I must perform the things below!
Have A Short Meeting
My working day typically starts at 9 am. After arriving at the office, I have a meeting with the designers. This team and I will work closely together to build plans for VR projects.
It is often a 30-minute meeting. Yet, it may last longer if I start a brand-new project. The designers and I discuss VR games’ design, features, and structure.
I check the process and workflow if we are working on the project’s middle. So I can ensure the development stages happen as expected.
Design And Conceptualize
VR designers are in charge of developing and curating VR experiences. Yet, they may ask VR developers to join some project phases. For example, I often engage in designing and brainstorming the general VR experience.
We begin the development phase after the designers, and I have completed the design step. I send my feedback to my clients so that they can easily manage development. So they can ensure their project’s KPIs.
Program And Develop
One of my primary duties is writing code to drive the virtual reality experience. I code the interactions, graphics, and other elements with the environments.
Test And Debug
As a part of the VR development team, I also perform many types of testing. In particular, I must test VR apps to ensure they are secure from bugs. Additionally, their performance should be practical and optimal.
To achieve these goals, I need to ensure my apps do not cause motion sickness or discomfort to users. It is one of the significant concerns in virtual reality.
It is worth noting that development on projects still goes on after release. My duties are to release updates timely and fix bugs to ensure adaptability.
Integrate VR Hardware
Contrary to popular belief, VR developers also work on hardware. For instance, I often iterate VR apps for many hardware platforms. After that, my task is to optimize them.
In addition, I must ensure the apps correctly use the information from virtual reality hardware components such as controllers or headsets.
Perform Documentation
Apart from the tasks mentioned above, I am also in charge of producing technical documents detailing my code’s functionality and structure. This action is crucial as it helps maintain, troubleshoot, and develop future work.
After Work
After eight hours at the office and performing complex tasks, it’s time for relaxation. However, before coming home, I spend around 30 minutes jotting down the urgent tasks for tomorrow’s schedule.
The evening is my favorite time. I can take a break, enjoy a delicious dinner, or do my favorite hobbies. Sometimes, I hang out with my beloved ones.
Additional Tasks And Schedules
Besides the tasks above, I must stay updated with the latest trends in the virtual reality industry. It is not my primary duty, but most organizations require employees to keep up with the latest technologies and practices.
This way, I can leverage new opportunities and improve my skills. Furthermore, it is an excellent method for creating compelling and engaging VR experiences.
What Skills Do You Use On A Daily Basis?
If you want to become a part of a VR development team, ensure you have the following essential skills!
Coding
VR developers must create programs via coding. Thus, you should be able to write your programs in C#, Java, or Python.
After you’ve mastered this expertise, you will find it easier to troubleshoot your work and enhance your programs. Additionally, it is an excellent way to develop innovative functionalities for VR experiences.
3D Modeling
3D modeling involves making virtual items using the software. VR developers must use this method to create and develop virtual objects and worlds for their apps.
Computer Science
These experts must understand the computer functionalities to have virtual reality experiences. They must have programming skills to design software and hardware.
Graphic Design
During the VR experience production, these experts must use graphic design technologies. They must design icons or logos for VR interfaces.
Soft Skills
Apart from technical skills, you must have the soft skills below:
- Social media
- Communication
- Organization
- Creativity
Is VR Development The Right Profession For You?
The answer is yes! This profession is in high demand with a good salary. For instance, USA VR developers may earn around $155,760 yearly as of 2023. Many companies seek VR devs, such as education, medicine, or retail.
In addition, this sector offers good job opportunities. Most importantly, the job has low entry requirements for several positions. You can also choose your working environment. You can work at the office or remotely.
Final Thoughts
The life of a VR developer is busy. I must start my day early to complete my tasks on time, from meetings to documentation.
To succeed in this area, you need to master vital skills and understand the VR fundamentals.
Hopefully, my guide will be helpful to you!