Introduction to Virtual Reality Development with Oculus
Published at: September 19th 2024
What is Virtual Reality (VR)?
VR creates immersive digital environments that simulate real-world experiences. Users wear headsets (like the Oculus Rift or Quest) to interact with these virtual worlds.
It can be used for gaming, education, training, architecture and more.
Picture 1. Virtual reality experience (source: knightfoundation.org)
Types of virtual reality
1. Non-immersive Virtual Reality
Virtual experience through a computer where you can control some characters or activities within the software but the environment is not directly interacting with you.
Think of playing video games where you control in-game characters.
2. Fully Immersive Virtual Reality
This type provides a complete sensory experience. You wear a VR headset and are fully immersed in a virtual environment. It feels like you’re a part of that world, making it ideal for simulations, gaming and training.
3. Semi-Immersive Virtual Reality
A middle ground between non-immersive and fully immersive VR. It offers partial immersion, often using large screens or projection systems.
Flight simulators and medical training make great examples of this type of VR.
4. Augmented Reality (AR)
While not strictly VR, AR overlays digital information onto the real world. It enhances your surroundings by adding virtual elements, like Pokémon Go or heads-up displays in smart glasses.
5. Collaborative VR
This type allows multiple users to interact in the same virtual space. It’s useful for team collaboration, shared experiences and virtual meetings.
Oculus Devices
Picture 1. Oculus device (source: techdifferent.it)
1. Oculus Rift: A high-end VR headset primarily for PC gaming.
2. Oculus Quest: A standalone headset with built-in tracking and controllers.
3. Oculus Quest 2: An upgraded version of Quest with better performance and resolution.
4. Oculus Quest 3: The latest version of Oculus Quest up to date.
Setting Up Oculus Devices:
- Unbox your Oculus device and follow the setup instructions.
- Install the Oculus app on your smartphone for initial configuration.
- Connect the headset to your PC (for Rift) or set it up wirelessly (for Quest/Quest 2).
Oculus Rift S Setup, Unboxing & Tips (youtube.com)
Oculus Quest 2 Setup, Unboxing & Tips (youtube.com)
Development Tools
1. Unity
A popular game engine for VR development. It supports Oculus integration and provides a visual interface for building scenes.
Unity Real-Time Development Platform | 3D, 2D, VR & AR Engine
Below is a tutorial on how to make games using Oculus Quest 2:
How to Make Oculus Quest 2 Games (with Unity) (youtube.com)
2. Unreal Engine
Another powerful engine with VR support.
The most powerful real-time 3D creation tool - Unreal Engine
3. Oculus SDK
Software development kit for Oculus devices.
4. SideQuest
Allows sideloading custom apps onto your Quest/Quest 2
5. 3D Modeling Tools
Create assets using tools like:
Blender Download — blender.org or
Maya Autodesk Maya | Get Prices & Buy Official Maya 2025 | Autodesk
Creating Your First VR Project
- Decide if you’re developing for Rift or Quest.
- Learn Unity Introduction to Virtual Reality | Coursera
- Use Unity’s scene editor to create 3D environments.
- Implement interactions (e.g., grabbing objects, teleporting) using scripts.
- Load your project to your headset and test it out.
Tips:
- Optimize performance (frame rate, graphics quality) for a smooth experience.
- Consider user comfort (avoid motion sickness).
- Test your VR project with real users to gather feedback.
Sources:
Overview of VR Development: History, Tools, & Best Practices (forbytes.com)
Introduction to Virtual Reality | Coursera
5 Types Of Virtual Reality – Creating A Better Future [2024] (rextheme.com)
5 Types Of Virtual Reality. Which One to Try? (+ Applications) (founderjar.com)