In September, Oxford Video Game Night (OXVG) hosted an event packed with insight into the latest innovations in VFX (Visual Effects) and virtual reality (VR). It was an evening that drew together enthusiasts, professionals, and creators, with two keynote talks by industry experts sharing exclusive projects that are reshaping the digital landscape.
The first talk was delivered by Gareth Repton, an accomplished director with over 20 years of experience in TV adverts, animation, and virtual production. Gareth took us behind the scenes of his ambitious new project, MetaPop Star—a family musical film that prominently features digital avatars. One of the most exciting elements was the introduction of Anjela Pop, a metaverse-based digital pop idol who showcases the future of entertainment. Attendees were treated to a screening of two of the film’s trailers, with Gareth diving into the technical wizardry behind the visuals. The talk offered a glimpse into how these avatars could be used across a range of platforms, from films to video games and social media.
Gareth’s background in Virtual Reality Design, coupled with his work at one of Asia’s largest VFX studios, gave the audience a rare insight into how technology is influencing the future of entertainment. For anyone keen to explore software engineering or virtual production, this talk offered a fantastic peek into the industry’s rapidly evolving landscape.
The second speaker of the evening was Yin-Chien Yeap, a VR software developer with a diverse portfolio, ranging from 3D exhibitions to VR fitness apps. Yinch discussed the charm and challenge of designing for VR, with a focus on game development. He shared his experiences from working on HoverFit, a VR fitness app developed alongside Olympic athletes. The talk delved into the stark differences between flat-screen games and the immersive experience that VR demands. Yinch gave excellent advice for developers interested in the VR gaming space, offering a candid discussion on what it takes to succeed in this dynamic and often challenging medium.
The evening wrapped up with a hands-on demo of HoverFit, where attendees could experience the future of fitness and gaming using VR headsets. It was a unique opportunity to see firsthand how technology is merging fitness and entertainment in ways we never imagined.
If you’re passionate about video games, virtual production, or the expanding world of VR, Oxford Video Game Night is the perfect hub. Our community meets regularly to discuss trends, projects, and what the future holds for gaming.
Join Us at the Next Event
We’re excited to announce our next event, happening on 27th November. It will feature talks from Jonathan Quinn, Technical Director at Aardman, and Dave Bradley, COO at Steel Media. This is an unmissable opportunity for anyone interested in game development to network and learn from some of the top talents in the industry.
We’re also on the lookout for sponsors to help us continue delivering fantastic events. If you’re interested, please contact us!
Stay connected and become part of our growing community by joining us for this exciting event!
Upcoming Event Details: 📅 27th November
🗣 Talks from Jonathan Quinn (Aardman) & Dave Bradley (Steel Media)
🎮 Join us for another night of networking, learning, and inspiration
Check out our home page for more information about future events and opportunities within the tech and gaming industry.
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