Making the transition toward an alternative VR

The use of 3D Game Engines to create real-world Virtual Environment (VE) applications in construction is a promising new alternative to currently available commercial VR development platforms. Although this new solution has been available for almost 2 years, it is still not well known and used as a serious VE application development tool Recent research efforts have proven that the use of 3D Game Engine, which is also known as Game Development Kits (GDKs, is a viable solution to creating visually engaging virtual environments while still maintaining a low-cost development and execution platform. Although 3D game level designs and Game Engines can be awkward and intimidating towards seasoned VR application developer, we believe that this technology will provide a better solution in many ways as compared to what is currently available in the commercial market This paper will explore the major advantages that GDKs can offer over currently available commercial VR Software Development Kits (SDKs) and authoring tools. Extending from previous research, steps to be taken in order for traditional CAD and 3D modelers to incorporate their 3D creation within the game environment will be outlined. Major questions as to why GDKs are still unpopular will also be posed and discussed