| Level of studies: | master’s degree |
| Recommended high school specialisation: | Scientific |
| Employability: | Very good |
| Starting salary: | € 3,000 |
| Salary after experience: | € 6,050 |
| Mobility | Very good |
| ROME code : | M1805 |
| FAP code: | M2790 |
What is XR?
Extended reality is becoming more and more common in the world of video games, although it was started in 2009. XR mixes other realities to create a real environment with a three-dimensional virtual environment. This creates unique, immersive and innovative experiences for the user with levels of interactivity with and between these different elements. Video games are starting to use reality XR, and it is making a breakthrough in sectors like the automotive industry or real estate.
The responsibilities of an XR developer
The half-augmented / half-virtual experience has begun. From this, an XR developer will work on:
- Analysing needs
- Being proactive
- Conceptualising and carrying out the project
- Creating VR and AR features
- Testing
- Improvements and fixing bugs
Julien Noé adds: « The responsibilities of an XR developer are varied. From customer advice to technological advice for hardware and software choices, through to application development and technological observation. These responsibilities require a good mastery of the production chain of an application and of the latest augmented reality and virtual reality technologies on the market. «
Skills to master
While virtual reality is used widely in video games, XR is a little less so, so that’s the challenge for years to come. This is why an XR developer can also be a technician who masters other forms of technology, especially video game programming. They must therefore know:
- Software architecture
- VR and AR tools (HTC Vive, Oculus, etc.)
- 3D game engines (Unity, Unreal Engine…)
- Development languages (C #, C +++, Java, etc.)
- Graphical programming (HLSL shaders)
- Design methods
- Production, integration, visualisation, test tools
The qualities you should have
In this position, several qualities are essential, such as:
- Creativity
- Work ethic
- Listening
- Autonomy
- Communication
- Perseverance
Which high school diploma should they have?
XR developer is a technical profession and they should have done a general high school diploma with a speciality in mathematics or science. The reason is simple: organisation, logic and calculations are essential here. Then, by going to a school specialising in video game careers, they will be able to learn the fundamentals and acquire sought-after skills.
Our G. Tech school is made for those who are passionate about video games, virtual reality, and all their components. We have two diplomas that train for the XR development. The first: a bachelor’s degree in Computer Development specialising in video games allows students to acquire all skills in computer development over three years.
Then the MSc in Video Game Programming brings an additional level of knowledge, in particular in the computer development of a video game. For two years, the secrets of augmented reality, AI, game engines, programming, etc. will be revealed.
All this is taught via project-based pedagogy. We ask each student to carry out concrete projects alone or with others. Finally, internships are completed each year.
Internships?
Applying the knowledge learned in training and confronting the reality in the workplace are two important things in a student’s life. Carrying out an internship in a company is one of the best ways to gain experience, create a network, and familiarise yourself with the gaming environment.
We, therefore, offer several internship periods throughout the five years of training.
- The internship lasts two months in the 1st and 2nd years of the bachelor’s degree.
- Three months at the end of 3rd year
- Six months in 4th year of MSc
- A 5th year exclusively via internships and fixed-term contracts
We regularly distribute internship offers to the school. In addition, on specialised sites like Welcome to the jungle, it is possible to find a company to work in.
The salary of an XR developer
It is still challenging to get an overview of the salaries of XR developers. However, we can estimate that a developer in virtual reality can earn up to 45,000 euros per month. Abroad, in Canada, the pay can easily exceed $ 100,000.
Which companies can you work in?
It is a fairly new profession. Additionally, not all studios have embarked on VR or AR, let alone XR. The largest do, like Ubisoft. Others have small, dedicated teams. On the other hand, these are highly sought after profiles in other fields such as industry, marketing, and energy.
Possible evolutions
After a few years of experience, an XR developer can become an XR lead developer or go to the next level and become a video game project manager.
Les avantages et les inconvénients de ce métier
The job of an XR developer has its advantages and disadvantages.
Benefits :
- New profession, therefore, sought after
- Essential technical mastery, therefore possible career evolution
- Possibility of working in many sectors
- An attractive salary that can change quickly
« The main advantage of this job is being able to work on the latest market trends in immersive technologies. It also allows you to see and resolve new problems thanks to new XR devices on the market. The possibilities that the XR developer profession offers is a wide choice of applications that can be produced with these technologies, therefore, you avoid routine in the creation of applications », emphasises Julien Noé.
Disadvantages:
- Important schedules
- A new profession, therefore, fewer job offers than the profession of video game developer.
« On the downside, the documentation and usage information for these devices are often scarce, forcing the XR developer to research solutions to these issues diligently. Finally, like any work in the digital profession, we must keep in mind enjoying working in front of a computer and the sedentary life that this profession obliges », he adds.
Is freelance XR developer possible?
Like many development careers, this extended reality specialisation can be done freelance. This is an advantage when you do not want to work for a single company or have a permanent contract. However, it may turn out to be precarious, especially at the beginning. To start as a freelancer, you need to have a few years of experience to be comfortable with various software, tools, and project management.
In summary
XR Developer Job Summary
How can you become an XR developer?
Quite simply by going through a school specialising in video game careers. Our G. Tech establishment offers this through two diplomas. First, the Computer Development bachelor’s degree offers the fundamentals of computer programming. Then our MSc in Video Game Programming allows you to improve your skills and learn, for example, virtual reality techniques.