Learn Virtual Reality Game Design at NYFA
In NYFA’s VR Game Design Workshop, students learn game design techniques applied in the VR space. To attend, students are required to complete NYFA’s Narrative VR program or submit a portfolio demonstrating equivalent skills in 3D Modeling, 3D Animation and/or development in Unity.
Workshop DescriptionWorkshop Name: 8-Week VR Game Design Workshop
In NYFA’s VR Game Design Workshop, students practice with the tools used to create interactive virtual experiences — ultimately designing their own interactive VR environment. They will come away with the practical skills to develop prototype-level VR games/experiences in the Unity game engine.
Students in the VR game design workshop will create a single-level, playable VR “game” demo, using the HTC Vive headset and Unity 3D. Utilizing the principles of game design, students design VR experiences that aim to give the player a sense of agency. This can be approached from an authorial, film-like narrative vision, or as a reward-driven game mechanic that incentivizes players to reach a predetermined objective. In either case, students are encouraged to put themselves inside the virtual world from the player’s (or audience’s) point of view, and use the foundational design principles of virtual reality to enhance the sense of immersion and willing suspension of disbelief — often referred to as “presence” by VR designer.
To learn more about NYFA’s game design workshops, see NYFA’s Course Catalog or request more information.
This workshop is not offered in 2023. Please see the Game Design School page for more programs.
By the end of the VR Game Design workshop, students will have a playable demo of a VR game that works on the HTC Vive headset. Due to limited time, students will have to focus on a single game mechanic, which may serve as a playable concept for a larger scope VR game. To learn more about the projects, visit our projects page.
Please note: Equipment, curriculum, and projects are subject to change and may vary depending on location. Students should consult the most recently published campus catalog for the most up-to-date curriculum.