Virtual reality (VR) technology has come a long way over the last decade or so. In fact, today’s consumers have a wide range of options to choose from when it comes to VR headsets, with popular brands including Meta, HTC, Sony, and Microsoft.
Now that VR technology is so readily available to many consumers, the need for quality content continues to increase. When it comes to creating interactive and immersive VR experiences that keep users coming back for more, animation professionals are the ones making it happen.
If you’ve been considering a career in animation, virtual reality is just one of the many niches you may consider exploring. With a better understanding of what the intersection between animation and virtual reality looks like and what this work entails, you can determine whether this path may be right for you.
The Intersection of Virtual Reality and Animation
Animation, or the process of creating the illusion of motion through the use of static images, is hardly a new field. However, the application of animation in virtual reality is still a relatively novel concept compared to more “traditional” applications, such as stop motion.
What Is Virtual Reality in Animation?
Specifically, VR animation refers to techniques that can create interactive and immersive 3D environments for users to explore for themselves. Compared to traditional animation, which is typically displayed on a single screen, VR animation allows users to move and look around. This requires animations to use multiple points of view rather than fixed camera angles. Likewise, VR animations can be interactive with users in real-time.
While most people think of video games when they think of VR, the reality is that VR animation can be useful in a variety of applications, including training simulations and even short films.
The Appeal of Immersive Storytelling
VR and its immersive animation allow users to truly feel as though they are part of the story that’s occurring on the screen in front of them. Through compelling virtual reality storytelling, users often feel more engaged because they can actively participate in the scenes around them. Because they are part of the story, users may feel a stronger emotional connection to the story unfolding in front of them and any characters involved. For those looking to escape the constraints of the “real world,” VR can be a very appealing option.
Key Technologies Enabling VR Animation
So, what kinds of technologies and methods do VR animators use on the job? From 3D modeling to real-time rendering and more, these animation professionals need to become proficient in the use of many different technologies and technical skills.
3D Modeling and Motion Capture
VR animators rely on 3D modeling for VR, which involves the use of specialized software to create representations of three-dimensional objects on a computer. This can be used to create realistic renderings of objects and other components to use in a VR game or similar setting.
Similarly, animators use motion capture for VR (which records a user’s movement and essentially “translates” it into usable data) to ensure that VR settings are as realistic and immersive as possible.
Real-Time Rendering
Real-time rendering is another important technology in VR because this computer graphics technique makes it possible to create interactive 3D settings in real-time. This is done through complex algorithms, which are used to display scenes that respond directly to user input in real-time through shadow mapping and texture mapping.
Haptic Feedback and Sound Design
VR animators also utilize haptic feedback, which is meant to simulate a user’s sense of touch in a virtual environment. For example, users may be able to reach out to a virtual object and receive feedback via their VR system in the form of resistance or vibrations. This, in addition to the use of immersive sound design, makes VR experiences feel as realistic and authentic as possible.
Applications of VR in Animation and Storytelling
Now that you have a better idea of what VR animation is and the technologies that make it work, you may be wondering what some of the many applications of VR and storytelling are in the real world?
VR Short Films and Narratives
Animators with specific experience in VR are often needed to work on short film projects, which are used for storytelling and entertainment purposes.
Educational VR Animation
More often, VR animation is also being used for educational and training purposes. For example, pilots in training may use VR to practice flying a plane in different contexts and conditions. Meanwhile, healthcare workers (such as surgeons) may use VR to practice performing certain procedures in a realistic setting.
Interactive Storytelling and Gaming
With more everyday consumers purchasing VR headsets for at-home entertainment, VR is also being used for interactive storytelling and gaming purposes. Thanks to interactive animation, VR’s gaming experience can be more engaging and immersive than ever before, effectively carrying users off to entirely new worlds.
Challenges and Considerations in VR Animation
Despite all the exciting opportunities in VR and animation, there are some important obstacles and considerations to keep in mind if you’re thinking about getting into this field. From technical challenges to cost and accessibility issues, VR animators will always have challenges to overcome.
Technical Challenges
Although VR technology has come a long way in recent years, there are still some notable technical challenges that animators must work through. For example, VR headsets still have inherent hardware limitations that can lead to latency (or lag) and have a negative effect on the overall user experience. Achieving high-quality graphics in VR can be a challenge when animating complicated environments with a great deal of detail.
Storytelling Constraints
One of the biggest challenges of VR animation that many people don’t think about is that of storytelling limitations. Because VR allows users to have control of where they go and what they do, this can make it difficult to craft compelling narratives with detailed story elements. After all, if a user fails to follow a certain step or guideline, this could throw off the entire story. As a result, VR animators and narrators often find that they need to make careful use of guided navigation and environmental storytelling to direct users’ attention and maintain a clear narrative path.
Cost and Accessibility
Another consideration (and potential challenge) for VR animators is the issue of cost and accessibility. Even though the price of VR headsets and equipment has come down significantly in recent years, the reality is that VR is still rather expensive and thus not accessible to everybody. This can create limitations when it comes to the user base of certain games and other VR applications.
And speaking of accessibility, not everybody can easily use or experience VR technology. Physical limitations and disabilities, such as visual impairments and even severe motion sickness, may prevent some users from enjoying VR.
The Future of VR and Animation
So, what does the future hold for the field of VR animation? Nobody can say for sure, but some exciting and promising innovations on the horizon could create new opportunities for animators in this field.
Innovations on the Horizon
As hardware continues to improve, it may be possible to create more realistic VR environments and experiences than ever before. This has the potential to drastically enhance the user experience. Meanwhile, it is possible that artificial intelligence (AI) may be integrated into VR technology to enhance interactions and allow for more dynamic character/environmental responses.
New Opportunities for Animators and Storytellers
As VR and its potential applications continue to grow, there may also be new and exciting opportunities for animation and storytelling professionals to explore new roles in the field. From roles in educational VR animations to marketing animator and VR developer roles, professionals with the right level of skill and experience may be able to find work across a wide range of niches.
Discover More in an Animation Degree Program
Virtual reality is arguably the next frontier in tech, and as more brands begin offering their own VR platforms to consumers, the demand for VR content is only likely to increase. If you’re interested in getting into this exciting niche of the industry, now is the time to advance your formal education through an animation degree program.
Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design’s Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation can be an excellent starting point for those wanting to explore the field of animation through the production pipeline levels. With our 3D animation track, you’ll build 3D modeling and similar skills that you need to prepare for the real world of a working animation professional in the VR industry. Plus, because this program is offered both on-campus and online, you can pursue your degree without putting other areas of your life on hold. Reach out to our admissions team to learn more about this program. Ready to take the next step? Get started in filling out your online application today.
