Ask Amiqus - VR and AR
Boss Lady
- Meet the team
What special skills do employers look for when hiring for roles on VR projects and how risky is it to skill up in those areas considering the longevity of VR is still unknown?
The global VR & AR market was valued at around $3 billion in 2016 and in just one year it grew to $7 billion. The demand for VR & AR skills has followed this upward trend and will continue to as the industry grows to a projected of value of $92 billion by 2025. There is an entrepreneurial spirit in the space with many industry vets channelling their experience into setting up new VR & AR ventures.
VR has been on the scene longer than AR but there is space for both to exist. A UK study found that 50% of respondents thought owning a VR device was fairly or very appealing. A virtual reality headset presents many uses – training for the military, treating PTSD, and helping sportsmen and women refine their techniques. And the needs that VR cannot meet are where AR comes in. With the ability to overlay virtual objects on the real-world environment, augmented reality has strong prospects for meeting navigation needs and propelling immersive learning in the classroom.
On the surface of it, new skills do not appear necessary, core VR code- base is built on the most in-demand areas such as C+, C# and Unity. Art assets and environments created using Physics Based Rendering are also not unique to VR, but we are now seeing demand for candidates who have gained VR experience, either through employment or at University. Employers are starting to look for the context of deployment rather than skills alone – so effectively VR itself is becoming a skill. It’s early days and many specialist abilities needed to address the unique challenges of VR are still in formation. So what are employers looking for when hiring for gameplay jobs today?
PROBLEM SOLVING
A key ingredient is problem solving skills. Candidates with a leaning toward methodical, mathematical or experimental thought processes are of great interest to studios facing new challenges. The enhanced physicality of the gameplay interaction and multitude of visual configurations makes rendering images without blurring a major challenge. Achieving sufficient speed for a seamless VR experience increases demand both from an artistic and a technical perspective and optimising the efficiency of the code base is of critical importance. These features point to an evolving trend that the disciplines of creative and tech are growing closer together when it comes to VR.
This new level of granularity in the interdependence of image and code has led to employers demanding stronger visual evidence in portfolios when hiring. Programming jobseekers can typically evidence their skills by showing source code excerpts, however when it comes to VR, studios want to see the impact of the code on the in-game visuals. On the art side, managers not only want to see the right quality models and artwork but how artists have technically integrated their assets into the game engine. Portfolios need to be comprehensive enough to demonstrate these fully rounded skills, showing an understanding of how they will cope with the additional demands of VR.
SENSE SHIFTING
As a game experience becomes more immersive, so the role of the senses shifts from the everyday. The VR headset reframes vision and removes real world touch so that the compensatory instincts kick in, particularly hearing. This means that audio, which has always played a key role in games, has an even deeper level of contribution to make to the VR experience. We have seen an increase in the demand for audio programmers in particular. Now that a player can turn toward or away from the source of a sound, the impact of even the smallest nuance in ambient sound will play a major role in sustaining the level of immersion. Once again a solid portfolio and showreel should demonstrate the level of detail and finesse VR requires and hirers seek standards above the ordinary.
Another focus area is UI skills. The traditional thumb oriented handset is not available in VR and while this rewrites the design rulebook on menu access and selections, user interaction requires a higher level of intuitiveness to avoid confusion. Getting lost in virtual menus or physically knocking things over in reality is a no-no. Gameplay interactions have a new dimension of consequence – in fact pretty much every consideration in a ‘2D’ game is amplified exponentially in VR. To a large extent, the level of specialism a hirer is looking for depends on the size of the studio and what scope of project they’re working on. Some are looking for knowledge of a specific headset, others are happy with art or coding generalists, and some need the aforementioned tech- creative hybrid to bridge the two.
DURABILITY OF VR
One of the threats to growth that have been levelled at VR is that the level of immersion could potentially cut-out any interactions beyond the headset, making the VR experience an engaging but lonely pursuit. This has already been countered by the likes of vTime, developer of a VR social network that allows anyone, anywhere to spend quality time with family and friends in virtual reality. For vTime, VR has social connection at the core, aiming for participants to enhance people’s experiences of their relationships.
In recent years the market has seen a continued rise in demand for VR skills both in and outside of games. This is reflected in the growth in VR titles being brought to market, but it’s worth noting that this has been a steady stream of releases rather than an explosion. Whatever the reason, if there is no ‘bubble’ to burst and market confidence grows gradually, the outlook from the commercial bedrock of VR looks strong. There is an entrepreneurial spirit in the space with many industry veterans channeling their experience into setting up new VR ventures. Despite the inevitable naysayers it remains an exciting, innovative space for a career in games.
FIND A GAMES PROGRAMMER ROLE WITH AMIQUS
Do you have a passion for games development? Whether you’re currently working in the industry or are curious about where a job in games development could take you, we’re here to help. Take a look at our latest job vacancies or sign up to receive personalised job alerts so that you don’t miss out on any of our great opportunities.
Read more...
Teaser
Amiqus NewsContent Type
News
24/04/2024
Summary
We’ve just carried out a straw poll of games professionals on LinkedIn, asking them what the most important thing is that they look for when considering a new job role. Over 400 to
by
Liz Prince
Teaser
Amiqus NewsContent Type
News
05/03/2024
Summary
by
Liz Prince
Teaser
Amiqus NewsContent Type
Blog
23/01/2024
Summary
If you’ve been reading some of the commentary about the games industry of late, you’ll be forgiven for thinking that we’re in a downwards spiral of doom and gloom.It’s true: times are tougher
by
Liz Prince
Teaser
Amiqus NewsContent Type
News
22/11/2023
Summary
Today (November 22nd) is the day when, because of the gender pay gap, women overall in the UK stop being paid compared to men. This means:At the current rate of change, the gender pay gap won'
by
Liz Prince
Teaser
Amiqus NewsContent Type
News
21/11/2023
Summary
The whole team at Amiqus is absolutely delighted and honoured to have received another award, this time the accolade of Best Recruitment Agency at the TIGA Games Industry Awards 2023.Awards li
Teaser
BlogsContent Type
News
17/10/2023
Summary
The Value of Working with a Games Recruitment Agency There has been a lot of sad news recently about redundancies and restructuring within the industry, and our thoughts go out to
by
Liz Prince
Teaser
BlogsContent Type
News
05/09/2023
Summary
Facing redundancy can be daunting. I'll cut to the chase with my top tips to help you navigate this situation: Take Your Time to Reflect and Regroup: In the midst of a career trans
by
Alan Dixon
Teaser
Amiqus NewsContent Type
News
19/07/2023
Summary
The Amiqus team has just about recovered from a super busy and exciting few days in Brighton for the Develop Conference and Awards. The icing on the cake for us was picking up the
by
Liz Prince
Teaser
BlogsContent Type
News
12/06/2023
Summary
We’re often asked by candidates about how they can stand out during the job application process. With over 20 years of experience as a specialist games recruiter, we’ve got an arsenal of killer
by
Liz Prince
Teaser
Amiqus NewsContent Type
News
07/03/2023
Summary
On this International Women’s Day, we’re delighted to reveal that Amiqus has become an official Women in Games Ambassador. An Individual Ambassador herself, Amiqus’ Business Manage
Related Jobs
Salary
£65,000 + Benefits + Remote (UK)
Location:
Remote UK
Specialisms
Analytics
Data Analyst
Monetisation
Product Manager
User Acquisition
Location
UK
Job type
Permanent
Salary
£50 - 60,000
Description
Product Manager Remote in UK £65,000
Reference
9103
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Alan DixonAuthor
Alan DixonSalary
to £75k plus benefits
Location:
Dundee
Specialisms
Build Programmer
Core Tech Programmer
Engine Programmer
Gameplay Programmer
Graphics Programmer
Programmer
Tools Programmer
Location
Scotland
Job type
Permanent
Salary
£50 - 60,000
£60 - 70,000
£70 - 80,000
Description
Generalist Programmer, C++ UE4/5, to work with this Dundee based studio who's current multiplatform title has over 200m+ downloads. Salary to £75k, hybrid working. No Visa sponsorship.
Reference
9112
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Simon PittamAuthor
Simon PittamSalary
£60,000 - £70,000
Location:
North East or Remote
Specialisms
Creative Director
Designer
Level Designer
Technical Designer
Design Director
Location
Remote working
North East
Job type
Permanent
Salary
£50 - 60,000
£60 - 70,000
Description
This is a fantastic opportunity to work with a studio who are working on an amazing range of new titles
Reference
9107
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Will HudsonAuthor
Will HudsonSalary
£70,000 - £79,000
Location:
North East or Remote
Specialisms
Technical Director
Development Director
Gameplay Programmer
Lead Programmer
Programmer
UI Programmer
Location
Remote working
North East
Job type
Permanent
Salary
£60 - 70,000
£70 - 80,000
Description
This is a fantastic opportunity to work with a studio who are creating a range of amazing new titles
Reference
9098
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Will HudsonAuthor
Will HudsonSalary
£55,000 - £70,000
Location:
Hertfordshire (Hybrid)
Specialisms
Gameplay Programmer
Lead Programmer
Programmer
UI Programmer
Unity Programmer
Location
South East
Job type
Permanent
Salary
£40 - 50,000
£50 - 60,000
Description
This is a fantastic opportunity to work for a studio who are developing a range of new games
Reference
9088
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Will HudsonAuthor
Will HudsonSalary
£30,000 - £48,000
Location:
Liverpool or Remote
Specialisms
Gameplay Programmer
Programmer
UI Programmer
Unity Programmer
Location
Remote working
North West
Job type
Permanent
Salary
£20 - 30,000
£30 - 40,000
Description
This is a fantastic opportunity to work with a studio who are making amazing games
Reference
9072
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Will HudsonAuthor
Will HudsonSalary
£55,000 - £78,000
Location:
Midlands or Remote
Specialisms
Engine Programmer
Programmer
Unity Programmer
Location
Remote working
Midlands
Job type
Permanent
Salary
£30 - 40,000
£40 - 50,000
£50 - 60,000
£60 - 70,000
Description
This is a fantastic opportunity to work on an amazing game with a high number of players (11 million a month!)
Reference
9027
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Will HudsonAuthor
Will HudsonSalary
£55,000 - £78,000
Location:
Midlands or Remote
Specialisms
Graphics Programmer
Programmer
Unity Programmer
Location
Remote working
Midlands
Job type
Permanent
Salary
£50 - 60,000
£60 - 70,000
£70 - 80,000
Description
This is a fantastic opportunity to work with a team who have an industry leading title
Reference
9111
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Will HudsonAuthor
Will HudsonSalary
to £55k plus benefits
Location:
Manchester, North West
Specialisms
Designer
Level Designer
Location
North West
Job type
Fixed Term
Permanent
Salary
£30 - 40,000
£40 - 50,000
£50 - 60,000
Description
Game Designer to work on games / mini-games for this Sports VR platform. Hybrid, 3 days in their central Manchester studio, salary to £55k
Reference
9109
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Simon PittamAuthor
Simon PittamSalary
to £100k plus benefits
Location:
Remote (UK based only)
Specialisms
Tools Programmer
Location
Remote working
UK
Job type
Permanent
Salary
£40 - 50,000
£50 - 60,000
£60 - 70,000
£70 - 80,000
£80 - 90,000
£90 - 100,000
Description
Tools Programmer (Art) to work with this cutting edge AAA games studio in Leamington Spa. Remote (UK only) working available, salary to £100k plus excellent benefits.
Reference
9069
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Simon PittamAuthor
Simon PittamLooking to grow your
career in recruitment?
Perhaps you’re already successful in your recruitment career but thinking about a new challenge.
Or maybe you've had some experience of recruitment but are looking for a more supportive, quality-driven environment.
Whatever the case, now’s your chance to take the next step. Come and work for us!