VRFocus is set to host the Virtual Reality Challenge (VRC) this weekend, the UK’s largest ever virtual reality (VR) Game Jam! Attendees have just 24 hours to create something unique in VR, but they won’t be doing it alone as mentors from Climax Studios, Cherry Pop Games and Supermassive Games will be on-hand throughout the weekend.
So who are these talented individuals who are volunteering their time? Here are some brief overviews of the VRC mentors and their histories.
Russ Earwaker, Climax Studios – Saturday, Sunday
During his 15 years in the games industry Russ has designed for Crytek, Lionhead and Blitz Games, working on classic titles such as Crysis and Fable. Currently working at Climax Studios, Russ has specialised in VR for the last two years. He’s currently working on a Launch Windows title for DayDream and a rather unconventional title for the Vive, amongst others!
Bradley Hester, Cherry Pop Games – Saturday
Brad is a Games Programmer at Cherry Pop Games. Working on general game play, graphics and UI programming for PC, next generation consoles and virtual reality.
He studied BSc, Computer Games Development, achieving a First Class Degree
Gary Napper, Supermassive Games – Sunday
Gary Napper is a Game Designer with 16 years’ experience working on such franchises as Burnout, Harry Potter, Family Game Night, Spare Parts and Halo Wars 2 at studios including EA UK, Criterion, Sony, EA BrightLight and Creative Assembly. Gary is most recently known as the Lead Designer on the BAFTA Award winning, and industry acclaimed, Alien: Isolation. After working with Sony on PlayStation VR, he is currently working as a Game Director at Supermassive Games (Creators of Until Dawn, TumbleVR and Rush Of Blood) on some new and exciting things with the recently expanded VR team. Follow him on twitter @xopsx and Supermassive Games @SuperMGames.
Our thanks once again to all of our supporting partners who have helped VRC come about. Unreal Engine, Nvidia, HTC, Valve and Climax Studios.
VRFocus will be reporting from the venue during the day so look out for bulletins and updates via our social media channel.