The Leap into Game Development
For a long time, I’ve been fascinated by how games are developed, especially the more complex and immersive ones. As someone with a background in software development, I always had that curiosity but never took the step—until now.
I’ve spent years working on mobile and web applications, focusing on user experience, scalability, and software architecture. However, game development always seemed like a different beast—one that required not just programming knowledge but also a deep understanding of 3D environments, physics simulations, and interactive storytelling. That’s what made it so exciting.
Recently, I decided to explore VR game development with Unity and MetaQuest 3. Unlike traditional software or mobile app development, this felt like an entirely new world. Yet, surprisingly, the transition wasn’t as daunting as I initially thought. Many concepts from software development, like event-driven programming and component-based architectures, still applied—just in a different way.
What excites me the most is how game development blends creativity and logic. Unlike traditional apps, where UI and backend are often separate entities, games demand a seamless integration between design, interaction, and functionality. In VR, this becomes even more intense because you’re not just designing for screens—you’re designing for immersive, interactive worlds.
Getting Started with Unity and VR
One thing that helped me ease into Unity was my past experience with 3D modeling in 3D Max Studio during university. Although it had been years, the familiarity with a 3D workspace made the interface feel somewhat intuitive. Understanding the software structure in Unity was fairly straightforward, but the real challenge came when diving deeper into camera management, object interactions, and physics—elements that are crucial for an immersive VR experience.
Another major difference from mobile or web development is thinking in 3D space. In traditional software, UI elements exist in a structured layout, usually confined to a screen. In VR, you have to consider depth, movement, and how users will interact with objects naturally, without breaking immersion.
My first goal in this journey is simple: build a racetrack where I can control a car using a joystick. A straightforward concept, but one that will help me grasp the core mechanics of movement, physics, and interaction in a VR space. From here, I plan to gradually scale the project, adding more complexity as I learn.
How AI Has Transformed My Learning Process
One of the biggest surprises in this process has been how much AI has helped me learn and problem-solve. I constantly use ChatGPT to clarify concepts, troubleshoot errors, and get quick insights into how certain features work in Unity. This has drastically reduced the time I spend searching for solutions and has made learning a much smoother experience.
AI is changing the way we acquire knowledge. Before, learning a new skill meant spending hours searching forums, watching long tutorials, or reading extensive documentation. Now, with AI-driven assistants, it feels like there’s always someone there to help—instantly. While it’s not a replacement for deep learning and hands-on experience, it acts as an incredibly effective support system.
I’ve also found AI to be a great brainstorming tool. Sometimes, when I hit a creative block—like figuring out how to make a car’s movement feel more natural in VR—I can ask an AI for suggestions, and it provides fresh perspectives I might not have considered.
Looking Ahead
As I continue this journey, I realize how exciting and vast game development truly is. VR adds an extra layer of complexity but also so much creative potential. With AI making learning faster and Unity giving me the tools to bring ideas to life, I’m looking forward to seeing where this adventure takes me.
For now, I’m focusing on building that simple racing track and car movement, but who knows? Maybe this will evolve into something bigger.
There’s something exhilarating about stepping into a completely new medium, where logic and creativity must work hand in hand. If you’ve ever thought about trying game development, I highly recommend it. With the right tools and AI-assisted learning, there has never been a better time to start!
I hope you find this journey as exciting as I do! If you’re also diving into VR development, feel free to share your experiences or tips. 🚀