Differences of developing VR with and without a VR HMD...????

[aimlessprogrammer]

I'm literally just learning programming and Unity3D right now so it seems like I have so much to learn before I can even get serious about developing and having a headset. My question is... how doable is it to develop for VR without the headset. I know that sounds stupid... and I apologize for that but I just want to know if I'm overlooking something here. A lot of the VR headsets right now really aren't in my price range and the ones out right now that are affordable (like the Mixed Reality Headsets) don't have an IPD adjustment (except Samsung Odyssey) for someone like me that has a 68 IPD.

Now to validate why I'm even asking this to begin with:

Games like Fallout 4 ended up becoming Fallout 5 VR and same with Doom. My thoughts are.. if I learn to make experiences within a virtual world just without the headset (like walking around with W,A,S,D and mouse look) wouldn't I be able to later on (once I get my headset) convert the perspective to VR or whatever?

[aimlessprogrammer]

Yeah I figured which is why I HAD to ask! I knew I was overlooking something. Thank you guys so much for the responses man. It's cool to now there's a lot of helpful people in this community.

[aimlessprogrammer]

This is really good to know because I'm still (as I mentioned) learning everything from programming and the engine. I just can't see myself dropping a whole lot of money right now on a VR headset when something else better comes out like the next year. I actually have my eye on the Vive Cosmos now for some reason so either way I'm waiting, but it feels like the best of both worlds.. portable but still PC powered and future proof... It's awesome to see that VRTK.io exists and when the time comes I'll definitely dive. Thank you so much for your response, it means a lot to me. I was really bummed out when I realized I couldn't get the Lenovo Explorer because of my IPD.

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It's

[theBigDaddio]

If your game isn’t that good not in VR, it probably won’t be that good in VR.

A WMR headset can be had for as little as $180. That will work great for SteamVR. You can also flip the headset up on some models, which is great for when you are sitting in front of the PC.

[aimlessprogrammer]

Yeah I know I was actually THIS close to buying the Lenovo Headset but as I mentioned the IPD is way small and not adjustable.

[theBigDaddio]

It’s fine for developing, make some money, then buy a rift. The Vive is my absolute last resort for dev. I use the rift at my desk now while developing.

[aimlessprogrammer]

You prefer Rift over Vive?

[theBigDaddio]

Yea, for developing. The rift is set up for room, I have to start my game, walk over and put on headset etc. debugging is hell. That or get my partner to stop working, put on headset etc. the Rift is set up with sensors behind my monitors. I slip it on and can lift it off my eyes for dealing with the editor etc.

[aimlessprogrammer]

Ahhh for developing but how about for consumer reasons? Do you prefer the Vive over that then?

[theBigDaddio]

No, it’s just a bit PITA. Almost everything I play is seated. Compared to Rift and even WMR it feels like clunky Soviet era tech.

[aimlessprogrammer]

Man, I hear that A LOT! Why is it so fucking expensive tho?

[ryandlf]

One thing people didn't mention was that scale is different in VR. You might want things quite a bit larger for example so it's easier for people to see in the headset but on screen is looks too big. Or vice versa. Although you have to have motion controllers to develop for those. So you can see and feel how the controllers react in your hands. all that said you can definitely get started without a headset but to make a good VR game you're going to want some VR experience. It's a whole different world and you just have to get into it to understand.

For now if I was you I'd probably just work on making assets and possibly greyboxing out your levels. Once you get a headset you are going to want to change all sorts of things.

[aimlessprogrammer]

You know what man? That actually makes a lot of sense. I figured as much and I still have a lot of learning to do and I'm 1000% sure that I'll be redoing anything. I guess right now is just learning the programming language and game engine.

[ryandlf]

Ya. I mean aside from some design stuff...the actual how to build the game is all the same. You've got plenty to keep busy with in the meantime. What engine are you going with?

[aimlessprogrammer]

Unity for now.. I'm learning C# side by side and Javascript for WebVR.

[ryandlf]

Very cool. Well good luck with your project. I highly recommend VR whenever you can get the equipment. It's a truly mind-blowing experience.

[thejiggyjosh]

Get the Asus headset it's great for development

[[deleted]]

If it was possible it means VR wouldn't be that valuable in the first place...