GliderVR Summary
GliderVR is an immersive 3D gliding experience created by Peter Simcoe using Codex for programming and Adobe Creative Suite, Magnific and Topaz Bloom for concept development, design and artwork. 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 on a mobile phone or tablet. Each platform has unique controls while the underlying flight experience remains familiar and easy to understand. Multiple camera views available range from close range to cinematic tracking, cockpit and canopy, fly-by shots and scenic viewpoints placed around the landscape. Players can orbit around the aircraft (right joystick in VR and arrow keys on keyboard), zoom in or pull far back. Download control instructions for Quest3 and desktop.
GliderVR Gameplay – Interactive 360 Images
Below are 2 interactive 360 images demonstrating actual gameplay. See more of the glider and explore the terrain.
Fine Tuning The Experience
The main purpose of GliderVR is presenting a cinematic experience that is all about relaxation therapy – flying high in your own personal glider within a landscape at noon or in the glow of an evening sunset. High-resolution landscape textures, detailed terrain, atmospheric haze and smooth lighting 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. Comfort options allow the experience to be tailored to suit Quest 3 / VR headset users by reducing aircraft turbulence, improving smoothness and reducing camera movement while retaining the quality of the environment.
Sound and soundtrack music is designed to enhance the feeling of motion, freedom and relaxation. Wind and airframe audio respond to the glider movement and pressure, an in-game music player provides a soundtrack and air traffic control chatter adds further realism. These elements can be controlled independently so players can choose a peaceful flight or a more active atmosphere.
GliderVR also includes a Paintshop (desktop users only) 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
GliderVR went through many iterations, originally starting its life as a low poly aircraft concept that grew over time to become the final polished 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.
See other AI related discussion including a Generative AI in Creative Processes article on the Simcoemedia blog.
