What do you do if your virtual reality skills are becoming obsolete?

VR is a ever changing technology, and with that a lot of the methods you had to do to set up a VR application have changed with it. Back in the early days of VR you had to create your own scripts to be able to grab objects and move around the scene. Now you just click and drag a VR player controller into your scene and you you can both see your controllers/hands and even move around. With VR being easier to do, its okay to think that your skills may be coming a bit obsolete. But remember, there's no easy way to create good VR UX. Anyone may be able to create a VR app, but only experts such as yourself can make a GREAT VR App.

If your virtual reality skills are becoming obsolete, it's essential to take proactive steps to update and enhance them. Start by identifying emerging trends and technologies in the VR industry through research and networking. Invest time in learning new tools, platforms, and programming languages relevant to VR development. Consider enrolling in online courses, attending workshops, or pursuing certifications to acquire new skills and stay current. Additionally, seek opportunities to apply your updated skills through personal projects or collaborations with others in the field. Finally, continuously seek feedback and iterate on your work to ensure ongoing improvement and relevance in the ever-evolving VR landscape

Even with over 10 years experience, I still find myself learning new ways to create VR. There are multiple engines you can up skill in to widen your opportunities and with tech such as MR becoming more common in VR headsets, there is now more UX and UI methods you need to familiarise yourself in to include this technology in your future applications.

You don't have to network in person if thats not your cup of tea. There are websites and forums all over that can help you keep up to date on upcoming technology and discover new and clever ways other developers are making their apps. Theres also catchups and networking opportunities in the metaverse which could be ideal if your are busy or not in a convenient location to meet people in person.

As the founder of DCMS, I've learned that networking goes beyond keeping up-to-date; it's about engaging directly with the growth of the VR field. Through networking, we dive into collaboration, fuel innovation, and strengthen community ties. This active involvement benefits our business and plays a vital role in the wider VR community. It's about making connections that drive forward not just our company, but the entire industry.

Having a basic knowledge in what your coworkers are doing can do wonders for your career. You might not be a great artists but if understand the pipeline your team members are going through or learn how to do a simple task such as resetting a transform to a better location. You can not only make yourself work faster but help make your team members jobs a little easier and build a good rapport with them.

Make demos! If you are unassigned at your job or looking for work, nothing keeps your skills sharp than doing your own little hackathon and trying to create something in x amount of time. Meta has released a bunch of MR technology, and Unity has made lots of progress with their Open XR plugin so make sure you're on top of this technology but try and do it in a way that stimulates your brain and isn't just reading documents and watching videos.

Always think about where you want to progress your career. If you are a junior dev, you need to make sure that you are learning skills such as team management and peer programming as these will be needed as you eventually become a mid and high level dev. There may also come a time where you may need to even stop programming all together and become a project lead controlling multiple aspects of your project. With VR development becoming more easy to do, you may find that simple programming tasks may be sent offshore to cheaper locations and you will need to use your skills in a way that still keeps you relevant for the people you are working for. So always make sure your are up skilling.

My advice is simple: strategic adaptation is key. It’s about choosing new skills with a clear vision of where the VR industry is headed. Aim to master areas with lasting impact or those addressing specific market gaps. This strategic focus on professional growth ensures that your skill set remains on the cutting edge, keeping you at the forefront of the VR revolution