How to create content on VR?

Jeffrey Boopathy
5 min readMar 13, 2023

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Virtual reality is no longer a concept confined to science fiction movies. With technological advancements, it has quickly become a reality, transforming how we experience the world around us.

With the growing popularity of virtual reality, content creators can leverage this technology and create compelling content for their audience. But with so much competition, How do you make content that is distinctive from the rest? This blog will guide you through creating unique virtual reality content that engages and captivates your customers.

So, if you want to create immersive, engaging, and innovative content, this is the guide you’ve been waiting for.

VR Content

VR content is any digital content created using virtual reality technology. This technology allows its users to immerse themselves in a simulated environment that feels like they are in a different world.

VR content can be in the form of videos, games, simulations, and interactive experiences. It is designed to be experienced with a VR headset, which provides a 360-degree view of the environment, and tracks the user’s movements to provide a more immersive experience.

VR content can be created for various purposes, such as entertainment, education, training, marketing, and more.

VR Authoring Tool

A VR authoring tool is software that allows developers and content creators to design, develop, and publish virtual reality (VR) experiences without extensive programming knowledge.

These tools provide a user-friendly interface that enables users to create 3D environments, add interactive elements, and define the behaviours of the objects in the VR world.

Some popular VR authoring tools include Unity, Unreal Engine, A-Frame, and SketchUp. Unity and Unreal Engine are game engines that offer a range of features for creating VR experiences, including scripting tools for programming interactions and behaviours.

A-Frame is a web-based VR authoring tool that allows developers to create VR experiences using HTML and JavaScript, while SketchUp is a 3D modelling tool that can be used to create 3D models for use in VR experiences.

The three general steps to create VR content using an authoring tool are:

Content Creation

The first step is to create the necessary assets, such as 3D models, textures, audio files, and other elements used in the VR experience. This can involve using various software tools and techniques to design and create the assets used in the VR experience. For example, 3D models can be made using software like Blender or Maya, while audio files can be created using a digital audio workstation (DAW).

Integration

The second step is to integrate the created assets into the authoring tool. This involves importing the assets into the device and arranging them to create the desired environment or experience. In some cases, developers may need to program interactions, animations, and other features to make the VR experience interactive and engaging.

Testing and Refinement

The final step is testing the VR experience to ensure it works as intended and meets the desired quality standards. This may involve testing for technical issues, such as bugs or glitches, and testing for usability and user experience. Any identified problems are addressed and refined until the VR experience is released.

How to create VR content?

Virtual reality (VR) content has become increasingly popular over the last few years, and there are several ways to create immersive and engaging VR experiences. Two of the most popular methods for creating VR content today are 3D animation and 360-degree video.

Creating VR Content with 3D Animation

3D animation is a method of creating lifelike moving images by using computer software to generate 3D models. The 3D models are then animated to create lifelike movements and actions. This method of creating VR content provides complete creative control, allowing the developer to create unique environments and objects that can be manipulated in any way they choose.

The process of creating VR content with 3D animation involves the following steps:

  • Develop a concept and design for the VR experience
  • Create 3D models of the environment and objects that will be included in the experience
  • Animate the 3D models to create lifelike movements and actions
  • Use a VR authoring tool or game engine to integrate the 3D models and animations into the VR experience

One of the benefits of creating VR content with 3D animation is the ability to create fully customizable and interactive experiences. The developer can create unique worlds and objects that can be manipulated in various ways. However, this method requires advanced 3D modelling and animation skills and can be time-consuming and expensive.

Pixar is a well-known animation studio that produces 3D animated movies such as Toy Story, Finding Nemo, and The Incredibles. The studio uses advanced 3D animation software like RenderMan and Pixar’s proprietary software to create their films. They employ skilled animators who use these tools to create complex 3D characters, environments, and objects that are both visually stunning and engaging.

Creating VR Content with 360-Degree Video

360-degree video creates immersive VR experiences by capturing video footage in all directions, allowing the viewer to experience the environment as if they were actually there. This method often creates VR experiences that simulate real-world events and environments.

The process of creating VR content with 360-degree video involves the following steps:

  • Develop a concept and storyboard for the VR experience
  • Use a 360-degree camera to capture footage of the environment or event
  • Use video editing software to stitch together the footage and create a seamless 360-degree video experience
  • Use a VR authoring tool or platform to integrate the 360-degree video into the VR experience

One of the benefits of creating VR content with 360-degree video is the ability to create highly realistic and immersive experiences that simulate real-world environments and events.

This method can be less expensive and time-consuming than 3D animation and does not require advanced technical skills. However, 360-degree video experiences may not be as interactive or customizable as those created with 3D animation.

National Geographic has also produced 360-degree videos for its content. They have created immersive experiences that allow viewers to explore the environment and see what’s happening in a way impossible with traditional videos.

For example, they produced a 360-degree video of a manta ray feeding frenzy, allowing viewers to experience it from all angles.

Conclusion

Virtual reality presents a new world of opportunities for content creators to explore. Whether you’re looking to create immersive storytelling experiences or interactively showcase your products, VR is an exciting medium that allows you to engage with your audience in unique and exciting ways.

To create content that truly stands out in this space, it’s important to focus on delivering high-quality experiences that capture the imagination and make your audience feel like they’re part of something special. With the right approach, tools, and mindset, you can unlock the full potential of VR and create content that truly sets you apart.

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Jeffrey Boopathy
Jeffrey Boopathy

Written by Jeffrey Boopathy

🎙Building my first Saas product | 5+ years in podcasting | Let's connect on LinkedIn -> https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreyboopathy/

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