Beginning Virtual Reality Implementation (Patreon)

Very excited to share the first screens of the first pass at implementing VR.

I first attempted to setup my VR environment on my Linux laptop but that proved to be fruitless since my laptop is not that powerful and I didn't want to sear my leg from the heat. So I will be working on my desktop for the VR portion of the development. My current setup is the 2.1x1.8m dedicated Shinobu development living room with plenty of space for stand up VR.

The very first video of the VR implementation is Video 1 [warning sound]. My tracking was a little wonky because I did not callibrate it properly. A couple smooth transitions in her animations broke but I will be fixing them as I reconfigure them for VR. I would say 90% of all logic modules work right now with VR (chopsticks, kissing, headpats, scaring, donuts, etc.). And so the next blog post I will post a more polished and thorough examination of how VR would look like with each logic behavior module.

This weekend I added support for OpenVR which includes all major HMD displays including Oculus Rift and HTC Vive. Unfortunately Unity's brand spanking new XR class which is in charge of handling all VR/AR related stuff is half baked with very limited documentation. VR is still cutting edge. Nevertheless I was able to do everything I wanted so far. Firstly, I added on the fly control swapping so the user can go from keyboard to VR through a pop up options menu. Indeed I have decided to officially support this without VR permanently. Errors are handled correctly with popup messages such as the following:

It's just useful for when your controller disconnects or something happens halfway through a session.

For VR controls I implemented VRChat/Arizona Sunshine -esque movement controls with both trackpads but I am aware that some people can get nauseous. So I am also working on adding a change movement type option in the game's options menu (teleportation option will be available soon). This brings me to the important question: "What type of movement do you prefer?". I will be making a poll on another post.

Big shout-out to:

TheMagicSpatula

Lazlo

Zelnick

Not CIA

Lev

Shodanon

for being very generous with their Patreon donations. It makes me want to make another tier to express gratitude. Perhaps an engraving somewhere on the map when I get around to modeling more of it.

A note on talent acquisition for sound and music assets: So far I have been transferred $80 from my Patreon. Before I start searching for Japanese talent and/or a Mexican/Japanese themed soundtrack, I would like to first reach $300. So I'll be waiting patiently and advertising my project in other areas. Stay tuned for more cool updates.