Exploring Virtual Reality Frontiers with JJ from Mythical City Games

Hey, fellow Nerdpreneurs! Chris here, bringing you the latest from our recent adventure into the virtual reality (VR) universe. 

Our Guide in the World of VR

This week, we had the pleasure of chatting with JJ from Mythical City Games, and let me tell you, it was a rollercoaster of nerdy insights and epic anecdotes. You can listen to the interview on our website here. Buckle up as we dive into the realms of VR, game development, and the future of immersive experiences! 

JJ's story of how he got into VR is like a Hayao Miyazaki story, he naturally flowed from film into the video game landscape in what would seem an effortless move. He said, the transition from real to virtual reality wasn’t as jarring as you might think. “The production process is quite similar,” JJ noted. “You come up with the idea, there's the production, and then there's post-production where you put everything together.” Who knew the path to VR could start with a director’s chair? 

The State of the VR Industry 

We all know VR is a hot topic, but where does it stand right now? JJ painted a vivid picture of a landscape that's both promising and challenging. "We've had huge hype cycles, and it's become a bit more stable, but it still needs support," he explained. The key takeaway here? VR is maturing, but it's not out of the woods yet. Companies like Meta and Apple are investing big bucks, but we're still waiting for that blockbuster game to propel VR into every household. 

Nerdpreneur Nugget #1: Embrace Feedback Early 

One of the standout pieces of wisdom JJ shared was the importance of testing early and often. "Getting feedback early is crucial," JJ emphasized. "Even when your game looks like a bunch of cubes, you need someone you trust to tell you if it sucks." It's all about diving in, accepting that it won’t be perfect, and iterating based on real-world input.

Nerdpreneur Nugget #2: The Importance of Big Titles

JJ had some thoughts on what’s missing in VR—major, headline-grabbing games. “We need big AAA VR titles to keep the momentum going,” he said. While indie games are fantastic, the industry craves a few heavy hitters to really push VR into the mainstream. Right now there's an opportunity for a big developer to develop a VR Half-Life, GTA or Gears of War, and lead the charge with an industry shaping game! 

Funding Your VR Dreams 

For those of you eyeing the VR industry, JJ had some sage advice on securing that all-important funding. From traditional publishers and private investors to grants and crowdfunding, there are multiple avenues to explore. "Early access is a great way to get funding if you can build a presentable prototype," JJ shared. Just remember, the road to VR riches is paved with prototypes and a ton of playtesting. 

Nerdpreneur Nugget #3: Embrace the Power of Community 

Finally, let’s talk community. JJ highlighted the importance of building a strong player community, especially for early access games. Platforms like Discord can be game-changers (pun intended) for getting feedback and fostering a loyal fan base. "Discord is a really great way to build a future community for your next game," he said. Engaging with your audience early and often can make all the difference. 

Quotable Highlights: 

  1. On transitioning from film to VR: "The production process is quite similar. You come up with the idea, there's the production, and then there's post-production where you put everything together."
  2. On early feedback: "Even when your game looks like a bunch of cubes, you need someone you trust to tell you if it sucks."
  3. On VR’s current state: "We've had huge hype cycles, and it's become a bit more stable, but it still needs support."

So there you have it, folks! A deep dive into the mind of a VR pioneer. JJ's insights remind us that the path to creating something epic in VR is fraught with challenges, but also brimming with opportunities. Whether you're a budding VR developer or just a nerd with a dream, take JJ's advice to heart—jump in, start creating, and don’t be afraid to test, test, test. 

You can find the interview here. If you'd like the entire 2-hour episode, you can access that by joining our Board of Nerdpreneurs over on Patreon.com/Nerdpreneur 

Until next time, keep it nerdy!

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