Virtual Reality & Augmented Reality

Virtual reality (VR) allows in-depth interaction with digital environments. Using game-building technologies such as real-time rendering, it is possible to create responsive digital environments to enhance teaching, learning, and entertainment. Spatial and immersive technologies include head-mounted displays, body-tracking cameras, holographic projectors, and other controllers.

Virtual reality can include:

• Video game applications and worlds
• Digital elements superimposed on physical environments to add additional detail, instructions, or context
• Prerecorded 360-degree video with added information or interactive elements
• 3D modeling of objects, environments, or art
• Software that utilizes body-tracking or other unique physical interactions for greater user control and comfort

The NC State University Libraries lends VR equipment and hosts spaces for utilizing such equipment for research, instruction, development, and recreation.

How can I get started with VR?

Take our online orientation (via REPORTER and Moodle).

After you complete the orientation, come to the Gaming and VR Studio anytime we’re open to get a chance to use the equipment. Ask a friendly staff member for recommendations for what to try out first and how to use the equipment.

What can I do at the Gaming and VR Studio?

At the Gaming and VR Studio, you can...

Play & Watch

• Explore our collection of games and software in a VR headset
• View 360-Degree video (how to view)
• View a 3D model within VR, such as a molecule, mechanical part, or character
• Display VR, real-time, and HMD content on a large screen for collaborators or students (how to share on a second monitor)

Design & Develop

• Use a capable desktop to design in 3D with Blender, Maya, Fusion, Substance, and more (here's how to use Blender)
• Develop 3D websites and web applications from templates using existing standards (join us for Creating Virtual Realities From Home)
• Develop for real-time and XR using Unity and Unreal Engine
• Develop AR and MR applications for headset and mobile passthrough environments (example: deploy a Hololens app)
• Record or stream 2D video of real-time rendered VR gameplay (here's how to stream)

Capture & Share

• Scan an object in our Live Capture Studio and export an .obj, .glb or .stl
• Take suitable photos and complete photogrammetry on a dedicated station
• Develop, package, and publish projects for our exhibition spaces

The Gaming and VR Studio at the D. H. Hill Jr. Library is built to suit your needs for instruction, research, and exploration. Excited to use this space in a new way? We’re happy to help via technology consultation.

Explore Our VR Collection

Nature Treks VR

Panoptich

TribeXR DJ School

View more items from our VR collection