Computer Games students turn passion into job with Glasgow VR experience company
Two Computer Games students have landed a unique job with a local virtual reality entertainment business, after being told about the role by our very own GCU Student Life team!
Computer Games (Design) students Noah Hashim and Taha Akhtar applied to work for Glasgow-based virtual reality business VR Party Arena – a multi-player free roam virtual reality experience.
The opportunity came about when GCU Student Life team member Rachael McAlonan started advertising the roles to students within GCU’s Applied Games department. Being virtual reality fanatics themselves, the pair knew they had to apply.
Noah and Taha have the fun job of hosting the virtual reality experiences with thrill-seeking customers, ranging from fighting zombies, navigating through ancient tombs and battling in arenas! As well as being passionate about VR, the role involves being great with high-tech gaming equipment.
Taha has also taken on the role of running VR Party Arena’s social media channels; using his skills in graphic design.
We caught up with Noah and Taha to find out how the jobs going so far:
What made you want to apply for the job in the first place?
Noah: “Applying somewhere related to my course was always something I had in mind. A fellow student sent an email to a few of us letting us know about the opportunity and thought it was perfect to get the experience I needed.
I've always had experience with virtual reality as I purchased an Oculus Rift S a few years ago after falling down the rabbit hole of VR, as I'm sure Harry (our boss) had as well. It's great to work with someone who is genuinely passionate about VR and what it can do for the world in terms of entertainment and even education. I'd say passion and curiosity are what made me apply, along with a sprinkle of needed work experience!”
Taha: “I've been an avid gamer for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I've also been really enthusiastic with all things related to technology - be it old or new. I also own a VR kit so I already had a good understanding of how it works as well as troubleshooting experience.”
What’s a normal shift like for you?
Noah: “A normal shift starts off with unlocking the door...once that difficult task has been accomplished, we need to prepare the cutting-edge technology; PC, VR haptic vests, hand and leg trackers, controllers and with the VR headset itself.
Usually, we get customers coming in based on a booking system, where we do a friendly introduction, show them the equipment, and then put the equipment on them. Once they're in we start up their games and let the fun begin!”
Taha: “The usual shift consists of getting the main system and base stations set up for the day. I'd double check all kits making sure all are working and fully charged.
Not all customers have experienced VR before so I make sure to give them a quick crash course on how the equipment works as well as safety guidelines (making sure they won't run into a wall or mistake a chair in-game as the real deal etc.). After a quick briefing of how the selected game works, the players are ready to jump in and enjoy the experience. I'm yet to see an unhappy customer!”
Taha, how does it feel getting to take on the role of social media manager?
Taha: “Although I haven't made an official debut on the social media sites, I am really excited to be able to help advertise and promote the business! Aside from technology and gaming, graphic design is my favourite hobby. Being able to apply skills I've learnt in my free time as well as in my degree is really exciting as it helps me stay creative, as well as expand my portfolio.”
How will a job like this benefit you in the future?
Noah: “I hope to learn more about the ins and outs of virtual reality and apply this to any future jobs I get, with the hope VR can advance society in some form; that being educational or entertainment-wise.”
Taha: “Working here has already taught me a lot regarding the equipment used; both how the software and hardware work together. Working alone on shifts is also a first for me, it's a huge responsibility, but after the first few days I'm very comfortable being able to manage regardless of issues with equipment.
Overall, this job has been very enjoyable since its core focus matches my interests and also helps expand my knowledge on computing and design very well. I'm confident this will aid with my final year in my degree and moving forward from there too.”
Keep up to date with Noah and Taha’s job on the VR Party Arena Instagram page
By Rachael McAlonan
Got a SCEBE or GSBS story? Email me at Rachael.McAlonan@gcu.ac.uk or connect with me on social media here