Skip to content

Tools Guide

In this course you are free to use any kind of computer and operating system you wish as along as it can run the software listed. The course will primarily be taught using the macOS based version of each tool we encounter with the exception of SteamVR, which is Windows based.

Hardware

  • A recent Apple Macbook (2013 and newer) with macOS Big Sur (11.6 or newer) or a Windows 10 based system.
  • At least 30 - 50 GB extra hard drive space to install software and work.
  • At least 1 TB external / portable hard drive to move files around and between computers as needed.
  • (Optional) A recent mobile device supporting AR Kit or ARCore for mobile AR development. Learn more about AR supporting devices: ARKit Devices and ARCore Devices.
  • HTC Vive w/ Windows Laptop - We have laptops capable of VR that can be setup as needed.
  • Additional hardware devices such as XBox or Playstation 4 Controllers may be required for a project. The studio has these controllers available or you can purchase your own to work with if you like.

Software

In this class we will make use of various types of design and engineering software. Some tools are essential and required to complete a task such as getting a VR or AR experience working while other tools are based on personal preference and workflow.

Required Software

  • Unity 2020.3 LTS (Installed with Unity Hub)
  • A code editor for scripting in Unity. For this there are two options: Visual Studio and Visual Studio Code. Visual Studio is commonly installed when installing Unity, which makes it the default editor for most people. My current recommendation is to use Visual Studio Code because it's faster, has nice extensions, and contains most of the same features. Review Unity Development with VS Code to learn how to set it up.
  • A 3D CAD tool for modeling and animating such as Cinema 4D or Blender.

Additional Software

Back to top