How do I get a job making virtual reality games?
Hi! My name is Anina and I'm a high school senior interning at Career Village. Everyone is really excited about Oculus Rift and its potential for gaming. If I wanted to, what would be the best way to get ready for a job working with virtual reality? #technology #gaming #online-gaming
4 answers
Kevin’s Answer
VR is still a very new technology. Formats and styles are coming and going every day. The trick is to get your knowledge up to speed and then be able to keep up with the changes. One trick is to figure out which companies are leading the way and then go to a college that is near to or allied with them. For example, Google has a huge VR and Gaming division. So you may want to look into which schools around you work with Google (doing research or helping with prototypes) and see what they have to offer. I'll bet Stanford is a good place to start, but many of the Silicon Valley schools are going to have some sort of access.
Beyond that, keep reading whatever you can find in Wired or other tech magazines and websites and stay up on the technology. You are excited about a moving target and you need to stay with it. One idea is to get involved with the International Game Developers Association. There's a Silicon Valley chapter and you could get a much better feel for things by chatting with members who are actively involved with VR. The IGDA is a friendly bunch, I help run the chapter here in Dallas. You can find them here: http://www.meetup.com/IGDA-Silicon-Valley/
Blaire’s Answer
Some good advice so far. I'd recommend starting right away. The Unreal Engine 4 has super easy VR implementation and is free! Get in there, learn about what works and what doesn't and it will prepare you to build an awesome VR portfolio by the time you leave college.
Wael’s Answer
There are universities nowadays that offer a major in game design. Check the link below for the curriculum for one of these programs.
http://www.becker.edu/academics/departments-programs/design/interactive-media/game-design/curriculum