ForestVR: Milestone 2 Development Update
We've made significant progress on our core fire simulation systems, interactive equipment, and player mobility. This update covers our implemented features, performance optimizations, and next steps.
ForestVR Optimized Environment
LLM-Powered NPC Interactions
We're excited to share our latest progress on ForestVR, our immersive forest fire response training platform. This milestone represents a significant step forward in bringing realistic emergency response training to virtual reality.
Core Systems Implementation
Our team has successfully implemented several foundational systems that form the backbone of the ForestVR experience:
- Realistic Fire Propagation System: Developed a physically accurate fire simulation responsive to terrain, weather, and vegetation.
- Forest Environment Optimization: Implemented LOD systems and asset optimization for smooth performance in dense forest environments.
- Interactive Equipment: Enabled realistic handling and effects for fire extinguishers, optimizing CO2 VFX.
- Basic NPC Implementation: Added interactable NPCs, setting the stage for team-based training.
- Player Mobility Systems: Implemented running (with stamina), crouching, and terrain navigation for enhanced embodiment.
- Wet Cloth Feature: Added usable wet cloths for smoke protection, increasing scenario realism.
Educational Design Progress
Advanced the educational framework of ForestVR:
- In-Game Tutorial System: Created an intuitive tutorial guiding users through equipment, protocols, and procedures based on playtest feedback.
Conversational AI Enhancement
Achieved a significant breakthrough in NPC interaction:
- LLM Plugin Development: Created specialized plugins for natural, context-aware NPC conversations during emergencies.
- Free Pre-compiled Release: Committed to releasing plugins freely to benefit the wider emergency training development community.
- Context-Aware Responses: NPCs now understand situational context, improving training realism and effectiveness.
Next Steps
Future focus includes enhancing NPC communication, expanding evacuation scenarios, implementing feedback systems, optimizing for standalone VR, and adding more equipment.
Project Details
More Devlog Entries
Project Kickoff: Lunar Environment Development
Week 0 focused on establishing the core technical foundation for our Global Horizons University VR project, with significant progress on the Lunar Exploration Laboratory environment and physics implementation.
Read Full Entry →Week 2 Gameplay Mechanics & Core Systems
Focused on core gameplay mechanics: enhanced fire propagation, implemented smoke effects with GPS navigation, refined fire extinguisher mechanics, and added a comprehensive health system with UI feedback.
Read Full Entry →