Exploring the Boundless Opportunities in VR

Virtual Reality (VR) has always intrigued me. The ability to step into an entirely new world, to interact with it, and to build something unique feels like a magical frontier. As I’ve been diving deeper into understanding VR and where it’s heading, I see opportunities sprouting everywhere. It’s not just for gamers or tech enthusiasts—it’s a space bursting with potential for creators, entrepreneurs, educators, and dreamers like me.

The more I listen to podcasts like My First Million and immerse myself in the business and tech worlds, the clearer it becomes: VR isn’t just about entertainment anymore—it’s about connection, creativity, and commerce.

Let’s talk about why I believe VR will reshape industries, how I plan to carve out my place in this virtual gold rush, and how you might find your place, too.

Why VR Feels Like the Next Internet Boom

Listening to My First Million, one point that stuck with me is how Sean and Sam often emphasize spotting trends early and riding the wave before it crests. They highlighted that VR is a space where adoption is still in its infancy, but the infrastructure is finally catching up to the hype. Meta’s push into the metaverse, Apple’s Vision Pro, and platforms like Unity making VR development accessible to indie creators have laid the groundwork for what’s next.

Consider the trajectory of the internet. In the early days, websites were static and clunky, and people thought it was a passing fad. Fast forward to today, and the internet powers almost every facet of life. I believe VR is on a similar trajectory.

We’re at the stage where VR hardware is becoming more affordable, and developers are crafting more immersive, accessible apps. The leap to mass adoption isn’t far. For creators like me (and maybe you), this is the perfect time to jump in and start building something extraordinary.

The Business of VR: What’s the Opportunity?

The opportunities in VR span far beyond gaming. Yes, gaming is where it shines now, with wildly successful titles like Beat Saber and Half-Life: Alyx proving how engaging VR can be. But here’s where I see even more exciting possibilities:

1. Education

Imagine VR classrooms where history students don virtual goggles to walk the streets of ancient Rome or chemistry students mix compounds in a fully immersive lab. EdTech is a multibillion-dollar industry, and VR can revolutionize how we learn.

2. Fitness

Apps like Supernatural are already proving that VR fitness can be as effective as going to the gym. With a background in health and wellness (thanks to Zak’s bodybuilding ventures!), I can see opportunities to develop fitness apps tailored to niche audiences.

3. Retail

Picture trying on clothes in a virtual fitting room or walking through a virtual showroom for furniture. As e-commerce continues to dominate, VR bridges the gap between online shopping and in-store experiences.

4. Therapy and Wellness

As someone who has leaned on EMDR and CBT for PTSD, the idea of VR therapy fascinates me. Apps like TRIPP are already exploring this, using immersive worlds to help people meditate and process trauma. There’s untapped potential here for therapy and wellness entrepreneurs.

5. Creative Expression

For artists and designers, VR is the ultimate blank canvas. Tools like Tilt Brush let creators paint in 3D space, while architects can design and “walk through” their projects before they’re built.

My VR Dream: Building a Game (and an App for It)

Let me dream out loud for a minute. My ultimate goal is to learn how to code a video game set in a VR world and build an app to host it. The game would merge the greenhouse gardening concept I’ve been working on with the interactivity and immersion of VR.

Picture this: A VR experience where you’re managing a futuristic greenhouse on a distant planet. You can walk through your greenhouse, interact with plants in 3D, and troubleshoot environmental challenges like dust storms or nutrient deficiencies. It’s not just a game—it’s an experience that teaches sustainability and plant science while offering players a peaceful, meditative escape.

Building this will require learning Unity, understanding 3D modeling, and diving into C# programming. It’s daunting but thrilling. The more I read about Unity’s XR tools and Coursera’s VR/AR courses, the more inspired I feel to start.

Challenges to Overcome

Of course, no innovation comes without hurdles. Here’s what I think are the biggest challenges for VR creators:

1. High Development Costs

Developing VR apps and games isn’t cheap. It requires advanced hardware, skilled labor, and plenty of trial and error. However, platforms like Unity and Unreal Engine are lowering the barrier to entry, allowing indie developers to create incredible experiences without huge budgets.

2. Hardware Adoption

Not everyone owns a VR headset yet. While devices like the Meta Quest 3 are making strides, mass adoption will take time. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing—it gives creators like us time to build before the floodgates open. That way we can have a product actually ready by the time it takes off.

3. Skill Barriers

VR development is a technical field. Coding, 3D modeling, and understanding user experience (UX) in VR are all essential. For someone like me who’s starting from scratch, this feels like climbing Everest. But hey, every person starts at the beginning, right?

How You Can Dive In (If You’re Curious)

If you’re as intrigued by VR as I am, here are a few steps to consider:

1. Start Small
   Begin by exploring VR games and apps to understand what works and what doesn’t. Look for inspiration in the experiences you enjoy most.

2. Learn the Tools
   Unity offers free tutorials for beginners, and platforms like Coursera have in-depth courses on VR development. Start with small projects—maybe a simple VR environment—before diving into complex apps.

3. Join the Community
   The VR community is incredibly welcoming. Reddit threads, Discord servers, and local meetups are great places to connect with like-minded creators.

4. Think Beyond Gaming
   While gaming is a big part of VR, don’t limit yourself. Explore industries like fitness, education, or retail to find your niche.

Final Thoughts: Why I’m Betting on VR

The more I learn about VR, the more it feels like a creative playground with endless possibilities. Whether it’s building my dream game or exploring therapy-focused apps, I’m convinced VR will play a huge role in shaping the future of how we live, work, and connect.

So here’s to dreaming big and taking those first small steps—whether it’s learning to code, designing a game, or simply exploring the virtual worlds that already exist. The opportunities are endless; we just have to reach for them.

References

1. Unity Learn: https://learn.unity.com/

2. My First Million Podcast: https://www.mfmpod.com/

3. VR Fitness Insider: https://www.vrfitnessinsider.com/

4. Coursera’s VR Development Course: https://www.coursera.org/

5. TRIPP Meditation App: https://www.tripp.com/