Paths to XR Development
Learn the details of various XR development methods.
We'll cover the following
The “X” in XR
The “X” in XR stands for “extended,” which refers to extending the user’s perception of reality. XR is an umbrella term that encompasses a range of technologies that allow users to interact with digital content more naturally and intuitively, creating a seamless blend of the physical and digital worlds. XR technologies include virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). These technologies extend the user’s perception of reality by creating immersive and interactive experiences that are aware of and respond to the physical world. As these technologies evolve and become more accessible, they will work synergistically to create incredible experiences.
Virtual reality (VR) is a computer-generated simulation of a three-dimensional environment that can be interacted with using specialized equipment, such as a VR headset. VR creates a completely immersive experience where the user feels as if they are physically present in the digital world.
Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that overlays digital information on the user’s view of the real world. This digital information can be in the form of text, images, or 3D models, and it can be interacted with using specialized equipment, such as a smartphone or an AR headset. AR enhances the user’s perception of the real world by adding digital information.
Mixed reality (MR) is a hybrid of VR and AR, where digital information is overlaid on the real world in such a way that it enhances the user’s perception of the real world while also being aware of changes in the real world and the user’s position in it. MR technology can be used to create immersive experiences that blend the physical and digital worlds, and it can be interacted with using specialized equipment, such as an MR headset.
In summary, Virtual Reality creates an entirely immersive experience in a computer-generated environment, Augmented Reality enhances the user’s perception of the real world by adding digital information to it, and Mixed Reality creates an immersive experience that blends the physical and digital worlds.
Development approaches
You can take three main paths to becoming an XR developer: web-based technologies, game engines, and native
Web-based technologies
Web-based technologies, such as
Accessibility: Because XR experiences created using web-based technologies can be accessed through web browsers, they can be accessed from a wide range of devices and platforms, including smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers. Most new smartphones support WebXR-based AR and VR experiences, therefore making it a preferred XR development platform. It can reach a wider audience than those created using other types of software. Moreover, WebXR can help get apps and experiences better exposure by transcending the limitations imposed by proprietary app stores.
Flexibility: Web-based technologies, such as WebXR, are built on open web standards, so developers can use various programming languages and frameworks to create XR experiences. This allows developers to choose the tools and technologies that best suit their needs and skills. Moreover, sharing games and experiences without downloads and installs is easier, resulting in rapid prototyping. We can also extend our websites by allowing a smooth transition from traditional 2D content to 3D/XR content with just a click of a button in our browsers.
Learning curve: Web-based technologies are generally easier to learn and use than other types of software, which means that developers with a web development background can get started with XR development more quickly and easily than with native SDKs or game engines.
However, it’s important to note that using web-based technologies for XR development also has some drawbacks:
Performance: One of the main drawbacks is that web-based technologies aren’t as
performant A performant VR system or application is one that can deliver a seamless and immersive experience without lag, stuttering, or other performance issues that could break the sense of presence and immersion that VR is intended to provide. Features: Additionally, web-based technologies can also be limited in terms of features and functionalities that can be included in an XR experience. Moreover, each browser has its own slight differences in implementing the WebXR API.
Testing: It is hard to identify bugs because, many times, the code silently fails.
Game Engines
Game engines provide developers with a range of tools and resources that can be used to create high-quality XR experiences. Game engines are essentially prebuilt software development frameworks that provide developers with tools and resources to create interactive 3D environments and experiences. Several popular game engines can be used for XR development, such as Unity, Unreal Engine, and PlayCanvas. These engines provide developers with a wide range of features and tools that can be used to create high-quality XR experiences. Here are some of the benefits of adopting the game engine development approach:
Prebuilt features: One of the main advantages of using a game engine for XR development is that it provides developers with a wide range of prebuilt features and functionalities that can be used to create realistic and immersive XR experiences. These features include things like physics engines, lighting systems, and animation systems that would be difficult and time consuming to create from scratch.
Tools: Game engines also provide developers with a wide range of prebuilt tools for creating and editing 3D assets, such as 3D modeling and animation tools.
Performance: Another advantage of using a game engine for XR development is that it provides developers with high performance and stability. Game engines are optimized for creating interactive 3D environments and experiences, and they are designed to handle large numbers of 3D assets and complex physics simulations. This means that XR experiences created using a game engine are more likely to be stable and performant than those created using other types of software.
However, it’s important to note that using a game engine for XR development can also have some drawbacks:
Learning curve: One of the main drawbacks is that game engines can be complex and challenging to learn, particularly for developers new to XR development.
Resources: Game engines can also be resource intensive, thus requiring a powerful machine with a graphics card to support XR development.
Native SDKs
Native SDKs (Software Development Kits) are important in XR development as they provide developers with the necessary tools and resources to create XR experiences for specific platforms. These SDKs are typically provided by the manufacturers of XR hardware, such as Oculus, HTC, and Microsoft. They allow developers to access the features and capabilities of the device more directly than web-based technologies. Here are some of the benefits of developing with native SDKs:
Advanced features: When using native SDKs, developers can take advantage of features such as hand tracking, room-scale tracking, and advanced rendering capabilities that are unavailable through web-based technologies like WebXR. It also allows developers to use platform-specific features, such as using the device’s internal sensors or accessing its storage.
Performance: Native SDKs provide a more stable and performant platform for XR development. By using native SDKs, developers can create XR experiences that are optimized for specific platforms and devices, which can result in better performance, higher-quality graphics, and more immersive experiences.
However, it’s important to note that using native SDKs for XR development can also have some drawbacks:
Specificity: Developers need to write specific code for each platform they want to support, which can lead to increased development time and costs.
Reach: The use of native SDKs can also limit the reach of the XR experience because it’ll only be available for the specific platforms and devices supported by the SDK.
The following figure sums up our discussion:
Conclusion
The lesson has delved into the intricate pathways of XR development, shedding light on the diverse approaches available. From understanding the significance of the “X” in XR to exploring development methods through web-based solutions, game engines, and native SDKs, you’re now equipped to embark on your XR journey with a clear roadmap.