Crytek Brings VR Labs to Universities

Crytek, an independent videogame company and developer of Cryengine software, has established VR First, an initiative to bring virtual reality labs to universities around the world.

The VR First program encourages higher education institutions to establish dedicated virtual reality labs on their campuses. Participating schools receive free access to the complete source code for Crytek's Cryengine development software, and hardware partners equip the labs with VR headsets and other equipment. "VR First locations will become key centers for nurturing new talent in VR development and creating a global community equipped to embrace this exciting field of technology," according to information on Crytek's site.

Universities that have already joined Crytek's VR First initiative include:

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) has made its virtual reality/augmented reality lab available to partners across campus and has equipment from Oculus/Facebook, HTC/Valve, Microsoft, Samsung and others. RIT's Magic Spell Studios, where the VR First lab is located, is also working with partners to develop "homebrew" kits. "Virtual reality is a major focus of the entire industry right now and sits at the intersection of multiple entertainment media including games, film, mobile and interactive experiences," said Andrew Phelps, founder and CEO of RIT's MAGIC Spell Studios. "It is a new medium and we are excited to work with our friends and partners as we explore the impact that this technology can have on storytelling and engagement."

Further information about Crytek's VR First initiative can be found on the company's Cryengine site.

About the Author

Leila Meyer is a technology writer based in British Columbia. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • open laptop in a college classroom with holographic AI icons like a brain and data charts rising from the screen

    4 Ways Universities Are Using Google AI Tools for Learning and Administration

    In a recent blog post, Google shared an array of education customer stories, showcasing ways institutions are using AI tools like Gemini and NotebookLM to transform both learning and administrative tasks.

  • illustration of a human head with a glowing neural network in the brain, connected to tech icons on a cool blue-gray background

    Meta Launches Stand-Alone AI App

    Meta Platforms has introduced a stand-alone artificial intelligence app built on its proprietary Llama 4 model, intensifying the competitive race in generative AI alongside OpenAI, Google, Anthropic, and xAI.

  • three main icons—a cloud, a user profile, and a padlock—connected by circuit lines on a blue abstract background

    Report: Identity Has Become a Critical Security Perimeter for Cloud Services

    A new threat landscape report points to new cloud vulnerabilities. According to the 2025 Global Threat Landscape Report from Fortinet, while misconfigured cloud storage buckets were once a prime vector for cybersecurity exploits, other cloud missteps are gaining focus.

  • Stylized illustration showing cybersecurity elements like shields, padlocks, and secure cloud icons on a neutral, minimalist digital background

    Microsoft Announces Security Advancements

    Microsoft has announced major security advancements across its product portfolio and practices. The work is part of its Secure Future Initiative (SFI), a multiyear cybersecurity transformation the company calls the largest engineering project in company history.