Ready to create your first VR scene?

First you'll nee to download and install the following software and Unity plugins.

• The Unity3D gaming engine (free). Our video tutorials are based on Unity version 5.1.1f1 or later, which you can download here.
• Playmaker (US$65). This plugin makes it possible to create interactive scenes without knowing any coding. You can purchase it through the Unity Assett store when logged in here. (Members of the VR Storytelling class can use the class copy for educational purposes only).
• Our Unity Basics scene, which you can download here. Open it in unity, then open one of the scenes or follow the steps in the first video tutorial about how to create a terrain, skybox, player controller, place objects in the scene and then "play" the scene. The steps to do this are also outlined in the Unity Part 1 and Unity Part 2 class notes.

Want to shoot and stitch 360 video?

All of the following is available to students who are enrolled in the VR Storytelling class. If you want to shoot your own commercial videos you will need to acquire and purchase the following equipment and software.

First you'll need a rig. We use the most basic Freedom 360 GoPro mount, which you can order here for $500. It takes 6 GoPro Hero 4 cameras (about $400 each) that are activated with a GoPro remote.

Our current preferred stitching software is AutoPano Video Pro, which works on Mac or Windows. Feel free to use our free AutoPano tutorials.

The free eBook Making360 by Jason Fletcher has lots more advanced tips on how to use AutoPano Video Pro and AutoPano Giga.

Adding Interactivity

Here are some ways to make your projects more awesome.

• Follow the video tutorials for using the Playmaker plugin to add interactive elements.
• Find some other 3D models in the Unity asset store, or other 3D model and texture sites (Turbosquid, CGTrader, CGTextures) on the resources page.
• Sign up for Mixamo and buy animations that you apply to characters, then import the animated characters into Unity. You can also use the downloadable Fuse software to create realistic characters that you then animate.
• If you're developing for HTC Vive, the VRTK toolkit is excellent!

On the Horizon

• Experiment with capturing 3D models and scanning heads using the Structure Sensor and apps that work with structure. Just search your iPad's app store for "Structure Sensor" to see the latest apps that work with Structure.
• Experiment with the alpha of 8i for 3D structural video capture.

Reading

• Slay the Dragon

Sounds

• Freesound.org
• Soundjay

3D Models and Materials

• CGTrader
• Turbosquid
• CGTextures

Tutorials

• Unity Tutorials for Gaming
• Playmaker Tutorials for Gaming
• VRStorytelling Unity and Playmaker Tutorials

Other Resources

You can find more resources on the Experiential Media Diigo List.