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Unity names Tony Parisi as head of VR and AR

VR pioneer takes the stage at Unite 2016

Tony Parisi, one of the original VR pioneers, has joined Unity as its head of AR and VR Strategy.

Parisi was the co-founder of the Virtual Reality Modelling Language (VRML) in 1994 along with Mark Pesce, which was a tool for creating 3D environments online. He has authored multiple books on various technological subjects, including VR, and has most recently worked as VP of Platform Products at WEVR.

Parisi emerged on stage at Unite 2016 to discuss the firm's strategy and promised the firm would enable studios to 'make and sell products, interpret complex data and make compelling presentations.' Showcasing the Facebook social VR demo that appeared at Oculus Connect 3 in September, Parisi revealed that it was built in Unity, and he said the company's ambition is for developers to make 'all their VR and AR products with Unity'.

He said: "Unity has created the most accessible pro-games development tool in the world, so it is no surprise that most of the VR and AR you see these days is made with Unity.

"Here we think that immersive technologies like VR and AR represent the next computing platform. We will not just use VR and AR to create games, we will tell stories and build worlds, we are also going to share moments and hang out together online."

VR and AR received plenty of attention at Unite 2016, highlighting the engine firm's commitment to the technology. The next Unity update (5.6) will include support for Google Daydream, with the platform holder appearing on stage, too. There was even a live demo of EditorVR, which will be available in preview form before the end of the year - which is a significant move for Unity as it looks to cement its place in the VR market ahead of Unreal.

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Christopher Dring

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Chris is a 17-year media veteran specialising in the business of video games. And, erm, Doctor Who