VR/AR game development

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are rapidly changing the face of the gaming industry, raising the bar even higher in an already competitive environment. Users expect more than just a captivating storyline and high-quality graphics—they seek a sense of presence and new forms of interaction with the digital world. Professional VR/AR game development enables these results, enhancing a product's competitiveness.

This niche has demonstrated steady growth in recent years. The number of devices and applications using virtual and augmented reality technologies is increasing every quarter. VR/AR solutions offer unique opportunities – from the implementation of realistic simulators and quests with complete freedom of movement to mobile AR games for Android and iOS that combine the real and digital worlds.

The nature and characteristics of VR/AR games

VR/AR game development is the creation of interactive virtual and augmented realities using game engines and modern 3D modeling technologies.

What is VR?

VR (Virtual Reality) – solutions that enable the creation of completely digital spaces. The user is immersed in them using special glasses or helmets and interacts directly with the title's universe, using head, hand, and body movements. VR game development allows for the simulation of any environment and interaction scenario, including a building, a laboratory, a desert, space, and so on.

What is AR?

AR (Augmented Reality) is a technology that overlays digital objects onto the surrounding environment. AR systems scan and collect data from the surrounding environment, allowing gamers to interact with a world that combines physical objects and spaces with virtual ones.

Augmented reality games are most often available on smartphones and tablets. In these titles, you can add 3D characters, weather conditions, furniture, buildings, and more to the canvas of everyday life. No special equipment is required—a phone camera and an app with AR functionality are sufficient.

The difference between AR and VR

VR projects completely immerse the user in a virtual world, isolating them from the real world. AR applications make real-world environments interactive by overlaying digital elements.

Arionis Games offers AR and VR game development services. We also implement hybrid projects that combine both technologies, including computer vision and more. Our team focuses on all aspects of production, and high-quality UI/UX design helps attract and retain target audiences, increasing the ROI of game development projects. Examples of our recent games can be found in our Portfolio.

Benefits of Custom VR/AR Game Development

VR/AR games are a promising investment opportunity, opening up new horizons for developing relevant and sometimes unique business models. They open up new horizons for audience engagement, help differentiate themselves from competitors, and offer users experiences unavailable in traditional gaming formats.

A deeper dive into the game universe

Creating a VR or AR game makes the project much more atmospheric than classic computer, browser, and other titles, allowing players to experience more intense emotions. Thanks in part to the use of sensory feedback and haptic technologies (vibrations and tactile responses), players become fully immersed in the action.

This feature significantly increases the replayability of projects and user retention. AR and VR games often lead to a viral effect, with loyal communities forming around them more quickly.

New monetization opportunities

VR and AR apps can integrate a wide range of monetization models, from in-game purchases to paid access to levels, items, and features. In-game advertising and branded content are also available.

Technical advantages

Developing virtual and augmented reality games opens up a range of technical and gameplay possibilities that are difficult or impossible to implement in traditional 2D and 3D titles:

• Spatial tracking of gamers' movements ensures realistic interaction with objects and movement in the virtual environment (gestures can be used not only for control, but also as part of the gameplay);
• Intuitive interface without the need for UI buttons – users can interact with the game world naturally (drag, press, rotate objects with their hands or through controllers);
• Maximum involvement – the emotional experience is maximized thanks to stereoscopic 3D, a wide viewing angle, and realistic voice acting.

Additional game mechanics

AR/VR technologies offer significantly greater technical capabilities for implementing innovative gameplay and mechanics. This is why augmented reality and virtual reality games are more expensive:

• real contact with the digital world – the gamer can use his hands to collect weapons, open doors, throw objects, etc.;
• user personalization and customization – by tracking facial expressions and voice, the system is able to recognize emotions and adapt AI for games, including NPCs, to the user's reactions;
• "hidden" gameplay mechanics - when creating VR/AR games, developers actively use sound, shadows, and even the direction of the user's gaze to build deeper, more psychologically and emotionally charged scenarios (especially in horror-oriented products);
• using the physical environment as part of the storyline – in augmented reality applications, gameplay can be based on real objects and user locations (buildings, locations, etc.), offering immersive quests with a real-life inspection of a digital room, etc.;
• real-world social interaction – AR and VR game development allows for the creation of immersive multiplayer rooms where people communicate through gestures, voice, and facial expressions.

Augmented and virtual reality titles are effectively used for training (including corporate training) and various simulations. They are used for personnel training, simulating operational and emergency situations, and testing solutions in medicine, industry, aviation, and other fields. This is a versatile tool with a wide range of applications.

Stages of work on VR/AR games

The creation of augmented and virtual reality games goes through all the stages of classic full-cycle game development:

Concept and planning

Work on every project begins with niche analysis, genre selection, and research into the target audience and their needs. It's important to agree on the technical requirements and platform limitations for the game project. The preparatory stage also includes:

• generating ideas, developing a product concept taking into account market dynamics and the current interests of the target audience,
• script and plot preparation, discussion of mechanics;
• drawing up the game's technical specifications.

Pre-production

Before starting development of custom AR/VR games, it's important to test hypotheses and concepts, which is why prototypes are created. Once these are approved, the team develops the gameplay, logic, and functionality of the product, and designs the interface. Designers then perform 3D modeling (in the case of AR, individual objects; for VR projects, creating the virtual space) and animation.

Production

After preproduction, the product's logic and functionality are implemented, the program code is written, and work on the server side begins. Also at this stage of virtual and augmented reality game development, models and animations are integrated into the already prepared environment.

Testing

The game project is tested for proper operation at all levels. Testing is conducted in a VR/AR environment and debugging is carried out, including performance optimization, compatibility, and other features. The team identifies and fixes bugs, collects feedback from real users, and refines the title.

Launch and support

During the final stage of AR/VR game development, the Arionis team prepares the product for release, handing over all materials and documentation to the client. Our specialists can also provide technical support and post-release maintenance (updates, integration of new levels, objects, quests, characters, etc.).

You can read more about each stage of game production, including a list of the work performed by Arionis Games specialists at each stage, on the Game Development page.

Technologies and tools

VR and AR game development is a dynamically developing field. Our team monitors new developments and trends in this field, quickly integrating them into our production process. Careful selection of tools and platforms also plays a crucial role in the development of such products. The choice of engine, SDK, modeling, and tracking tools—every aspect impacts the quality of graphics, user immersion, and the realism of the final product.

What software and technologies do we use:

• Game engines. VR/AR games can be created using Unity and Unreal Engine.
• 3D graphics and animation. Blender, Autodesk Maya, 3ds Max, Substance Painter, as well as auxiliary tools such as Quixel Mixer and Mixamo.
• Tools and SDKs. For VR – Oculus SDK / Meta XR SDK, SteamVR SDK, OpenXR, Viveport SDK. For AR – ARKit (for AR games on iOS), ARCore (for AR games on Android), 8th Wall (for browser-based projects).
• Tracking and interaction . Leap Motion, Microsoft Azure Kinect, XR Interaction Toolkit.
• Testing and debugging. Unity XR Interaction Debugger and Oculus Link, ARKit/ARCore simulators.
• Services and add-ons. Photon / Mirror / Normcore, AWS / Firebase / PlayFab.

These are the key technologies and software used to create virtual and augmented reality projects. The final stack depends on the specifics, scale, and budget of the project and is selected individually. The cost of developing AR and VR games also depends on the mechanics and technologies used.

What VR/AR games can be ordered from Arionis Games?

We create augmented and virtual reality game projects for platforms such as Android, MacOS, iOS, Linux, and Windows:

• VR shooters, action adventures, horrors;
• AR quests and puzzles, geolocation projects;
• sandboxes;
• RPG and strategy;
• interactive and educational projects, such as simulations;
• card, board;
• platformers, arcades;
• titles for team building and entertainment.

We can develop AR/VR games with multiplayer elements, gamification, and other additional features. Our team also implements combined projects in the formats of escape rooms, interactive shows, and virtual quests in real spaces.

AR apps and VR titles can be created for a wide range of platforms. The choice depends on the goals, budget, and audience:

• for virtual reality projects – Oculus (Meta Quest), SteamVR (PC VR), PlayStation VR / PlayStation VR2, Pico VR, Windows Mixed Reality.
• for augmented reality products – iOS (ARKit), Android (ARCore), HoloLens (Microsoft), Magic Leap, WebAR.

Unity and Unreal Engine enable cross-platform solutions, such as augmented reality games on iPhone or Android, Meta Quest, and SteamVR. The choice of combination depends on the type of game project, target audience, budget, and desired level of immersiveness.

Where to order game development with AR/VR technologies

Arionis Games is a studio with 10+ years of experience in web and AR/VR development, and 5+ years of experience in game development. The team's IT expertise allows us to meet the needs of diverse target audiences, ensuring high-quality design and gameplay, adaptability, and high performance of the final product.

Benefits of cooperation:

• Systematic and secure – we work strictly according to the technical specifications, which are drawn up at the outset and guarantee the achievement of the agreed-upon result within the specified timeframe;
• Process control – the development of computer and mobile games in augmented and virtual reality is carried out iteratively, we coordinate intermediate and final results, provide demo versions, and polish the product to perfection;
• Comprehensive support – we offer full-cycle AR/VR game development, from technical specifications and concept development to post-release support;
• A variety of formats – in addition to production from scratch, we also carry out specific work, outsourcing, outstaffing, project collaboration, and dedicated IT team services – we approach each task individually;
• A team of experienced professionals – the studio employs qualified AR/VR developers, UI/UX designers, game designers, programmers, 3D artists, animators, testers, and producers.

We create augmented reality games for phones, virtual worlds for PCs, consoles, and other platforms, integrating blockchain, AI, machine learning, and other innovative solutions.

If you're looking for a team of experienced developers with specialized expertise, fill out the contact form – we'll discuss the project details and propose an effective strategy for bringing your idea to life. We'll create a unique, scalable product, precisely tailored to your goals and the interests of your target audience.