GliderVR Summary
GliderVR is an immersive 3D gliding experience created by Peter Simcoe using Codex, Adobe Creative Suite, Magnific and Topaz Bloom. It is primarily designed to be played in VR on a Meta Quest 3, but can be played in high resolution on a desktop PC and mobile. To play in VR visit https://glider.simcoe.co.uk in your headsets web browser and click “Enter VR“.
Built using WebXR, the game lets players explore a large mountain landscape, desert and surrounding area. Its emphasis is not on complicated flight, but on the atmosphere of soaring – banking through valleys, flying past mountains, climbing on thermal lift and watching the scenery beneath the wings.
Aircraft, Camera And Music Controls
The glider can be controlled with a keyboard (desktop PC), Quest controllers (Meta Quest 3), touchscreen swipes on a mobile phone. Each platform has an interface suited to its strengths, while the underlying flight experience remains familiar and easy to understand. Multiple camera views range from close range to cinematic tracking, cockpit and canopy positions, fly-by shots and scenic viewpoints placed around the landscape. Players can orbit around the aircraft, zoom in for detail or pull far back to appreciate the scale of the terrain. Download control instructions for Quest3 and desktop.
Fine Tuning The Experience
The focus of GliderVR is visual presentation and sound design. High-resolution landscape textures, detailed terrain, atmospheric haze, smooth lighting and changing noon and evening conditions create a strong sense of height and distance. The aircraft reacts to the surrounding light, while canopy reflections, smoke trails and carefully tuned materials help the glider feel part of the scene. Performance options allow the experience to be balanced for Quest 3 and other devices while retaining the quality of the environment.
Sound design enhances the feeling of motion, freedom and relaxation. Wind and airframe audio respond to the glider, an in-game music player provides a soundtrack and air traffic control chatter adds a further touch of realism. These elements can be controlled independently so players can choose a peaceful flight or a more active atmosphere.
GliderVR also includes a Paintshop where users can personalise the aircraft with colour, lines, text and imported decals. Designs can be previewed directly on the 3D glider, mirrored across the centreline where appropriate and baked into the aircraft texture for use in the game.
About The Author
The GliderVR project went through many iterations, originally starting its life as a low poly aircraft concept that grew over time to become the final WebXR experience. To connect with the designer of this game use the social links below and subscribe to YouTube, X and LinkedIn for more updates and new releases. For other WebXR games created by Peter Simcoe, play Kinetic GravLab in VR at https://bounce.simcoe.co.uk
See other AI related discussion including a Generative AI in Creative Processes article on the Simcoemedia blog.
