Virtual Reality events are the newest trend in conferences and events. Virtual reality is a technology that has been around for decades, but only recently have people started utilizing it to create virtual environments for users to explore. These environments can be anything from recreations of ancient Rome or even representations of Martian landscapes! Read on as we discuss how you can host your own virtual reality event and why you may want to do so in the first place.

Through the creation of a virtual 3D environment and the integration of a server and software, virtual reality events have the potential to be anything. There are a number of VR platforms you can utilize for your event and they all offer different toolsets that work in tandem with an individual’s imagination.

If you’re hosting an event where people will need to interact, there are many immersive opportunities available. You could create any world or experience imaginable using one of the various virtual reality programs on the market today. Virtual conferences might also be a possibility if you were looking for something new and innovative – imagine giving presentations from locations around the globe without ever leaving home.

How is a 3D environment created?

To look for this answer, we are going to have to look at how traditional games are made. Typically, a 3D artist or game developer will take on the task of recreating a virtual environment using professional 3D modeling and texturing software. Then, the designer will compile the 3D environment assets into a game development software like Unity or Unreal Engine.

The 3D artist will typically plan out the environment before creating it. This technique is quite similar to that of the modern-day architect, who will use a range of 3D programs to model their design in 3D.

The artist will then need to use professional texturing software like Substance Painter to recreate realistic textures onto all of the 3D assets they have just modeled. These 3D assets are tricky to develop because they need to be both lightweight and realistic in order to be successful within the virtual reality event.

Once the artist has 3D modeled all their assets, e.g. the environment floor, walls, furniture and landscaping – they will then compile all these assets in a gaming engine where they can now use object-based programming to make certain objects interactive. VR is exciting because it creates a completely interactive environment. Without interactivity, VR isn’t worth the investment. The game designer might want to allow the user to pick up objects, paint walls, or switch lights on and off.

Lastly, the program will be hooked up to a server that the users can all access. The users will need some kind of headset device, whether it be a full room VR headset or something like Google Cardboard, that doesn’t cost more than $8.

Just like a zoom or skype meeting, the host of the server can set the rules for the environment. For example, the host can mute the microphones of the users or make them immobile. This way, the conference can proceed and the experience of the user can be controlled by the host.

How much does this cost?

Costs will vary depending upon which software developers you decide to use (many of these can offer discounts) as well as other factors like any applicable taxes and licensing fees that might apply based on the size of the virtual venue/number of participants.

3D artists and game developers will spend more time perfecting virtual reality environments that are complex. With a large number of people attending, the server needs to be powerful in order to handle more participants.

Types of VR Events – Lectures, Training & Other

Events that are suited to be hosted virtually would include lectures, training, and other events where the person of interest is unable to physically attend.

With health and sanitation becoming an ever more important factor in our society, companies that used to hold events and exhibitions are now relying on virtual events to keep them afloat.

Virtual lectures are an increasingly popular category. People can now have the normal experience of a lecture without having to leave the comfort of their homes. Not all virtual lectures have three-dimensional environments, but for those instructors and students who want to share or demonstrate certain parts of a syllabus, virtual reality events are an increasingly popular option.

Training is an important part of hiring a team – especially in dangerous or life-threatening situations. This is why virtual reality medical events are becoming popular. Doctors in training can now log into a server and observe or even partake in a surgical demonstration in a virtual environment, where no real danger is proposed.

Another popular example is explosive or military virtual reality training. Users can get this type of training as a team on a virtual reality server without having actual bombs threatening their lives. The team can then practice where to place explosives and can observe the results of their placements.

The last type of virtual event I’ll discuss is among the most popular. Many people are finding virtual reality server events to be a good substitute for bars and other social environments. This is due to the ability to make new friends from around the world, so places like bars are becoming less popular in some areas.

The Concept of A Virtual World – Earth 2

Earth 2 is a virtual reality event that is being proposed for the future. Even though the virtual reality world is not yet fully built, millions worth of land has been sold. The idea is that you can buy pockets of land that you can have developed when the server is eventually launched for everyone to explore. To learn more about Earth 2, click here

The concept has been and is a major success, which only means that the need for specialized virtual reality developers is a growing topic. The technology we have at hand is strong enough to make concepts like Earth 2 and Ready Player One come to life, the only thing we are waiting for is for a full-scale room VR headset to become a part of every household to build the demand for exploration.

If you’d like to read about when we think this might happen, check out our article When Will Virtual Reality Become Affordable? 

It is clear that virtual reality events are an efficient and exciting new way to host a conference, not only for the attendees but also for the business. Virtual conferences might be just what you’re looking for if your company has been on the fence about how to change up its traditional meeting style.

What do you think? Would hosting a virtual reality event work well with your company’s needs or would it be better suited somewhere else? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

 

Leah van der Walt

Leah van der Walt

Leah is a 3D Artist & VR / AR Developer with 8 years of experience. Based in South Africa, she is a passionate teacher and loves to listen to drum and bass in her spare time.

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