VR Geothermal Drilling
Introduction
This project is a virtual reality experience recreating a geothermal drilling site, developed in Unreal Engine 5.
Geothermal drilling sites are complex and hazardous environments, often difficult to access for the public and external stakeholders. To address this, the site was fully reconstructed in VR to allow local residents and project partners to safely immerse themselves in the realities of a geothermal operation.
The experience places the user in the role of an observer and participant, guiding them through the various professions involved in the successful execution of a geothermal drilling project. Through a series of interactive scenarios, the user discovers the technical, logistical, and human challenges behind such infrastructure.
The main goal of the project is to accurately convey the complexity and scale of geothermal drilling operations, making them more understandable and tangible. By doing so, the experience aims to raise awareness and encourage municipalities to invest in sustainable geothermal energy solutions.
What I did
As Lead Technical Artist, I was responsible for both the technical development and the cross-disciplinary coordination of the project:
- Designed and implemented custom shaders to support visual realism and performance in VR
- Developed tools and workflows to assist environment artists in scene production
- Built the VR gameplay and interactions using Blueprints (user interactions, missions, narrative flow)
- Oversaw and facilitated communication between 3D artists, environment artists, and technical artists, ensuring technical constraints and artistic goals aligned smoothly
This role required a balance between technical problem-solving, artistic sensibility, and team coordination, ensuring the project delivered both a convincing visual experience and a robust, intuitive VR interaction design.
