Observation Deck
Goals
For this personal project, I wanted to improve my skills through creating a basic VR experience containing one of each of the following:
• A dynamic visual effect
• A magical interaction
• A beautiful visual environment
Collaborating with a friend on the project, we settled on an initial project scope. We would create a room that would contain the user, an environment beyond the player bounds, and objects that could pass between the two. We decided to use Unity Game Engine, which integrates well with Blender for 3D asset creation.
Dynamic Visual Effect: Force Field
For this element, we wanted to use an existing effects pack, but the implementation by the developer was a little too specific for our needs. For our chosen dynamic effect, we wanted to show the nature of the boundary between the outside environment and the player's movable area. We implemented a portal-warping sort of effect whenever an object passes through the boundary to give the impression of a force field (shown here).
Magical Interaction: Telekinesis
I wanted to start with something fundamental and powerful. Who hasn't at some point attempted to move an object with their mind without directly touching it? Who doesn't still check periodically to see if they've somehow developed telekinesis since the last attempt? Not you? Oh, uh, me neither. In addition to the inherent awesome and fun qualities of telekinesis, it enables an important aspect of VR— the ability to inspect something more closely without the necessity of player movement. Player movement can present challenges, even inducing nausea if not executed correctly. Furthermore, I wanted to restrict player movement to the room, while enabling interaction with objects beyond the glass, so telekinesis was a necessity.
Bonus Interaction
Generating and shooting projectiles from the user’s fist, allowing rapid-fire mode.
Future Development
The concept art below hints at some of my longterm goals when it comes to creating additional interactive content and desired aesthetic polish.
