10 Essential VR Skills

A career as a virtual reality (VR) developer offers high pay and a chance to thrive in a growing industry. To succeed, VR developers combine technical expertise with creative vision to design immersive worlds that captivate users. Mastering tools such as 3D modeling software and understanding the capabilities of VR wearables are key technical skills, while gamification and user experience design enhance the creative aspects of the role. By developing these skills, you can bring engaging, interactive environments to life and stay in the forefront of this cutting-edge field. 

Explore what a VR developer does and the skills you’ll need to begin in the field. 

What is a virtual reality developer? 

A VR developer is a software developer who works on VR applications, including games, VR training and education materials, and business and industry solutions that use VR. According to Glassdoor, the average base salary for a VR developer in the US is $110,451, with an additional average pay of $49,623 in the form of bonuses, commissions, or other additional pay [1]. 

The VR development industry is forecasted to have a positive outlook in the US over the next decade. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, software developer jobs will grow by 17 percent from 2023 to 2033 [2]. When it comes to VR specifically, Statista reports that the VR and artificial reality (AR) markets in the US will be worth $10.9 billion in 2024, and will grow at a compounded annual rate of 8.53 percent, reaching a value of $16.4 billion by 2029 [3]. 

What skills do you need for a VR career? 

To start a VR career, you will need a suite of skills to design, create, test, and maintain VR programs. You will need to have the technical skills required, like 3D modeling, VR platforms and operating systems, VR hardware, and programming languages, as well as design and creative skills, like environment design, UI/UX design, and sound design. You may also need data analysis skills to gain insight from the data your VR program collects. Depending on the projects or industries you work in under the umbrella of VR, you may need specific skills like designing for instruction or gamification. 

Technical VR skills

Creating immersive digital worlds requires many pieces of technology. To become a VR developer, you’ll need to know how to work with VR tech, like 3D modeling technology, hardware and software, software development kits (SDKs), and programming languages. 

• 3D modeling and rendering: When your users interact with the virtual environment you create, they will interact and view objects in 3D. 3D modeling and rendering programs allow you to create these objects and give you the tools to create an environment where your users can freely explore in 360 degrees. A few programs you can gain experience in include Blender, SketchUp, Autodesk, Tinkercad, and Cinema 4D. 

• VR operating wearables: To create VR games, you will need experience working with the VR platforms and wearables people will use to access your game. These include Meta Quest, HTC VIVE, Samsung Gear VR, and PlayStation VR. 

• 3D programming tools: You will need experience working with 3D platforms and tools like Unreal Engine and Unity VR. These game design platforms offer tools like integrated development environments, 3D modeling and design tools, tools for creating realistic landscapes (such as realistic foliage, sunlight, and water effects), animation tools, and gameplay mechanics like multiplayer and AI-controlled characters. 

• Familiarity with VR software and SDKs: You can use SDKs to create VR programs for specific platforms. For example, you may use the Meta Horizon Platform SDK to create games or programs users can run on a Meta Quest headset. The SDK will allow you to access additional features and functionality, such as code libraries, APIs, visual editors, documentation, and tools for testing. 

• Device specifications: Your VR programs will need other devices to function properly, like graphic cards, displays, laptops, sensors, controllers, and other peripheral hardware. You will need to understand how the specifications of these devices both limit and expand your programming options. 

• Programming languages for VR: Even though the tools mentioned above feature resources that can help you minimize the original code you need to write, you will likely still need to have a working knowledge of programming languages to develop VR games or apps. A few examples of programming languages that may be relevant include C#, C++, JavaScript, Python, Java, and POPO. 

VR design skills

Your technical VR skills will help you use the equipment and technology you need to create VR games, but design and creative VR skills will help you create a satisfying app your users enjoy spending time on. These include UX design, narrative development, gamification, and instructional design. 

1. UX/UI design: To create engaging and satisfying VR programs, you will need a working knowledge of UX/UI design. This refers to designing the parts of the program the user will interact with, ensuring an intuitive, easy-to-use, and pleasant experience. 

2. Narrative development: You can use VR games and apps to tell stories similar to how you might tell stories using other mediums like television, video games, or the theatre. VR goes beyond these mediums by allowing your users to become part of the story. With skills in narrative development, you can create engaging stories that add value and meaning for your users. Using the plot and the details like background music and sounds or interaction with objects in the game can help your users feel like they are a part of the story. 

3. Gamification design principles: By understanding the psychology behind gaming, you can adapt these principles to create more engaging VR apps. Gamification can help users feel more connected to the material they’re learning or feel like the stakes within the VR program are high and that the goal is important to accomplish. 

4. Instructional design: In addition to gaming and entertainment, VR technology can be used to enhance training and learning outcomes for young students and working professionals. These principles include understanding what users need to learn, mapping those learning objectives into the user experience, and creating a curriculum. 

How to learn VR skills

To learn the skills you’ll need to be successful as a VR developer or experience designer, you can turn to traditional degree programs, certifications, boot camps, courses, and portfolio projects that can demonstrate your skills to potential employers. 

Degree programs

One strategy that many VR developers use to gain VR skills is to earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software development, or a related field. These programs can help you build foundational knowledge in one comprehensive program. 

Certifications

Another way to learn skills and demonstrate your competencies is to earn a certification in a VR-related skill. You can pursue certification to learn specific skills or in place of a traditional degree. A few certification examples for VR developers include: 

• Unity: VR Developer 

• Global Tech Council: Certified VR Expert

• Blockchain Council: Certified VR Developer

Courses

You can also learn specialized skills by taking individual courses. This enrichment can help you fill in knowledge gaps and learn new skills after leaving a more structured program like a traditional degree program, or it can help you build foundational skills while you work toward certification. For example, you could enroll in Introduction to Virtual Reality, offered by the University of London on Coursera, to learn about the basics of creating VR programs. 

Learn VR skills on Coursera

Starting a career as a VR developer means gaining skills in VR technology, such as 3D modeling software, understanding wearable VR tech and the components it needs to operate, and design principles like gamification and instructional design. 

If you want to learn more, you can find programs on Coursera that can help you begin. You could complete a Virtual Reality Specialization 5-course series offered by the University of London to help you learn more about virtual reality, creating virtual worlds, interaction design, and 3D graphics.