VR, or virtual reality, has come a long way since its original inception. From playing arcade-style games on red and black screens to immersing yourself in an ever-expanding world of Skyrim or GTA, the virtual world shows promise. With the rise of VR headsets and the race to join the metaverse, millions are turning to VR game development for the myriad of newfound business venture opportunities.
Unity
Unity is one of the most popular VR gaming app software engines to date, and it shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon. For those who are serious about virtual reality game development and game design in general, you shouldn’t pass up a chance to check out Unity.
With Unity, it is not only possible to build VR apps and games in real-time, but it is also possible to explore both 2D and 3D gaming platforms. Working with Unity is ideal for professionals who have experience with game development, but it can also be used by beginners who can stick around for a small learning curve.
Unity can be integrated with a variety of services and applications, such as: AppMetrica, ARCore, Daz 3D, Klocwork, Kraken, Desktop.com, AdColony, AR Foundation, CloudSwyft, Codemagic, Helix QAC, getReal3D, and more.
For those interested, accessing Unity and all of its updates is possible, starting at $35.00 per month.
Unreal Engine
For designers and developers who are extremely focused on 3D environments and enhanced graphics, Unreal Engine delivers. Unreal Engine is another widely known game development engine that is also finding its way into the VR industry.
Unreal Engine helps transform games from great to amazing with its built-in 3D creation tool that allows changes and updates in real-time. With Unreal Engine, you can help bring any VR game you have in mind to life.
Currently, Unreal Engine 4 is ideal for those interested in VR game development. Some of the VR targets of Unreal Engine 4 include Samsung Gear VR, Google VR/Daydream, HTC Vive/SteamVR, Oculus Rift, and OSVR.
Currently, Unreal Engine is free to download via the Epic Game Store.
AppGameKit VR
If you are looking for a virtual reality game engine that also includes VR collaboration tools, AppGameKit VR is one engine not to overlook. AppGameKit VR supports all Steam VR devices, including Touch, Vive, and Oculus headsets. Implementing ready-to-use 3D examples has never been easier than with AppGameKit VR, which already includes 3D-modeled hands, which can be used with tools such as Leap motion.
You can also implement additional tools to work with 3D models along with plugins, making AppeGameKit VR a winner for creatives who are seeking a collaborative solution.
For the full version of AppGameKit VR, the engine will run you $29.99.
Godot
Godot is one of those VR trends that you really don’t want to miss out on, especially if you enjoy game development and exploring new open-source projects. Godot is a free and open-source game development engine that is licensed under MIT. The source code is available to anyone, making Godot an optimal VR game engine for those who are experienced or advanced at developing virtual reality games or applications.
Godot includes an integration animation editor, tutorials for scripting languages, and even VR starter tutorials to help beginners familiarize themselves with the platform. However, because Godot is an open-source game engine and is free, it is always under development, which leaves plenty of room for bugs and errors.
Godot, while extremely modern and intuitive, is best left to advanced programmers and those who have an interest in diving deeper into the open-sourced world of VR game development.
CRYENGINE
Although CRYENGINE is not a virtual reality game engine that has been around for some time, it makes this list due to the sheer number of features and benefits the engine brings to the table. CRYENGINE is extremely versatile and can be used on numerous VR and mobile targets, including Android, iOS, HTC VIVE, and Oculus Rift. Additionally, it is also possible to use CRYENGINE while running both Windows and Linux operating systems.
With CRYENGINE, enjoy realistic renderings of the natural environments generated within the engine, including vegetation and surrounding landscapes.
Currently, CRYENGINE is available for free to download from its official website. The company currently uses a ‘pay what you want’ model, allowing both free access as well as donation support to those who choose to offer it. There is also an enterprise package available for custom licensing, premium support, and scalable solutions as well for larger developers or agencies.
CopperCube
CopperCube is another popular up-and-coming free 3D game engine, available for both macOS and Windows operating systems.
CopperCube is user-friendly and available on Steam, making it ideal for those who are new to game development and virtual reality world design. CopperCube allows 3D games and app development without extensive programming, which is another appeal to those new to the industry.
For those who are seeking a 3D editor that is intuitive, CopperCube delivers. CopperCube is free to download and is ideal for those who are new to development as well as advanced programmers who are looking for a refreshing and new way to immerse themselves into the world of VR game development.
If you are considering developing a VR game of your own, working with an apps development company in Singapore is one way to streamline the process while maintaining your peace of mind. The right VR game development company will ensure that your VR game is developed using the VR game engine that is right for your project.