When Gaspar Ferreiro first started developing virtual reality prototypes and games in 2016, it was just a hobby.
A professional banker in Atlanta by day, Ferreiro's love for gaming launched him into developing VR content in his spare time for a chance at the latest hardware in the industry.
Now, the independent VR developer is gaining traction in the gaming business with Project Ghost Studios. Recently, Ferreiro and his team were one of a select group of developers invited by HTC to work on a new software development kit involving the Vive Pro Dual Cameras for the chance to mix AR and VR.
"I guess that I have the advantage because I also do this on the side, I have my banking background which generates a fair amount of income for me," he said. "I don’t have that pressure of, 'Oh, this is my secret sauce, these are my secret contacts that I can’t share with anybody.' I’m free from that. I can create whatever I want, because if it doesn’t sell, I still get to eat and I can connect people at my leisure."
Atlanta Inno sat down with Ferreiro after a panel at SCAD ForwardFest last week where he demonstrated those talents. During the panel, Ferreiro revealed a new demo, blending the worlds of AR and VR together.
Just days prior, HTC Vive unveiled software to game developers allowing them to create AR games and experiences with the HTC Vive Pro VR headset. Using the software, Ferreiro developed a demo of his game, Project Ghost, and managed to debut the capabilities at ForwardFest.
"We’re very resourceful at using the available tools and programs that are available to create games, hence we can create compelling, high quality content very quickly," he said.
Works under Project Ghost Studios include a VR app at Oculus Share, “VR Boat Adventures,” AND a demo for GearVR called “Islands in the Sky,” which later evolved into the award-winning “Islands in the Sky V2." But the most notable game is Project Ghost, a multi-player VR game that makes players a high-tech hero.
As the gaming developer gains speed and notoriety, Ferreiro said he always wants to keep a focus on developing VR that gives back. He's spent time teaching middle school students how to develop their own games and VR content, and hopes certain proceeds of future games will go to charity.
"We also have a nonprofit in Miami where we bring virtual reality to hospitals and hospices," he said. "Totally for free."
Though he's been approached by big names such as Google and NBC with talks about developing games or promotional marketing, Ferreiro said he's become more grounded after being the gaming industry for the past two years. Funding tends to be a difficult task for game developers, he said, but his team hopes to stay the course with Project Ghost.
"I think that even if we don’t even get any funding…we’re going to have at least a good game that we can bring to market at a reasonable price with reasonable content," he said.
