Description

Introduction

This course is designed for developers and designers looking to create immersive virtual reality (VR) experiences using Unreal Engine, one of the most powerful game engines in the world. The training will cover everything from the basics of VR development to advanced techniques in interactivity, optimization, and cross-platform deployment. By the end of the course, participants will have the skills to build a fully functional VR project and gain a deep understanding of Unreal Engine’s VR capabilities.

Prerequisites

1. Basic familiarity with Unreal Engine.
2. Experience with programming (C++ or Blueprints is preferred).
3. Understanding of 3D modeling or design software (optional, but beneficial).
4. No prior VR development experience is required.

 

Table of Contents (Split by Sessions)

Session 1: Introduction to VR and Unreal Engine

1. Overview of VR Technologies
   1. Defining VR and key applications
   2. Current VR hardware landscape
2. Unreal Engine for VR
   1. Why Unreal Engine for VR development?
   2. Overview of Unreal Engine interface and key features
3. Setting Up Unreal Engine for VR
   1. Installing VR plugins and configuring VR headsets

Session 2: Understanding VR Basics in Unreal Engine

1. Project Setup for VR
   1. Creating a new VR project
   2. Overview of default VR template
2. Introduction to Blueprints
   1. Understanding Unreal’s visual scripting system
   2. Basic VR interactions using Blueprints
3. Basic VR Player Setup
   1. Configuring a VR character and player controller

Session 3: Working with VR Input and Interactions

1. Handling VR Controllers and Input
   1. Integrating motion controllers
   2. Understanding input events for VR
2. Building Basic Interactions
   1. Picking up and manipulating objects in VR
   2. Using physics to enhance interactions
3. Teleportation and Locomotion in VR
   1. Implementing basic teleportation mechanics
   2. Exploring other VR movement options (e.g., smooth locomotion)

Session 4: VR Environments and Level Design

1. Designing Immersive VR Spaces
   1. Best practices for creating VR environments
   2. Optimizing scale and spatial awareness for VR
2. Using Lighting and Shadows in VR
   1. Light sources, dynamic lighting, and real-time shadows
3. Adding 3D Models and Assets
   1. Importing and placing models from external software
   2. Optimizing assets for performance

Session 5: Advanced VR Interactions and Animations

1. Advanced Interaction Techniques
   1. Handling complex objects and multi-step interactions
   2. Creating custom VR UI elements (menus, buttons)
2. Integrating Animations in VR
   1. Adding character animations
   2. Using animation Blueprints for player interactions
3. VR-Specific Feedback Systems
   1. Haptic feedback and audio cues for immersion

Session 6: Optimizing VR Performance in Unreal Engine

1. Understanding VR Performance Constraints
   1. VR rendering requirements and FPS targets
2. Optimization Techniques
   1. Level of Detail (LOD) for VR
   2. Reducing draw calls and polycounts
   3. Optimizing lighting and post-processing
3. Testing and Debugging VR Projects
   1. Tools for performance testing in Unreal Engine

Session 7: VR Development for Multiple Platforms

1. Deploying VR Projects on Different Platforms
   1. SteamVR, Oculus, PlayStation VR, and others
2. Cross-Platform Development Considerations
   1. Differences in hardware requirements
   2. Configuring platform-specific settings in Unreal Engine
3. Building and Packaging for VR Platforms
   1. Preparing your project for release

Session 8: Final VR Project

1. Final Project Overview
   1. Participants will design and build a small VR experience
   2. Combining interactions, environments, and optimization techniques
2. Peer Review and Feedback
   1. Presenting VR projects and receiving feedback
3. Future Trends in VR Development with Unreal Engine
   1. Exploring upcoming features and advancements
      

This training provides a thorough understanding of Unreal Engine’s VR development capabilities, split into focused sessions that ensure both theoretical knowledge and practical application.