Career opportunities in virtual environments: Emerging roles and industry demands

For careers of tomorrow, virtual environments and video games is one of the most exciting and rapidly evolving fields.

We’re living in a time where the digital and real worlds co-exist hand in hand. Technology is shaping different fields. Sectors like healthcare, education, fashion, entertainment, gaming, real estate and more are increasingly seeking creators and developers to help define their identity in the virtual world. As we create an era of rapid technological progress, let’s see how designers and artists are more necessary than ever.

Why is working in virtual environments essential?

Working in this field isn’t just about learning to code or master a design software. It’s understanding how we can create spaces that move, architecture that floats, gravity that is redefined, audio that is innovative. This is what clients are looking for. They need creators who blend technology and creativity. Magic that will teleport their users into a new world. For example, brands like Nike aren’t just adopting this technology for the “cool” factor. They’re building a deeper connection with their fans and customers by allowing them to step into the brand’s story, and even interact with it. Whether it’s virtually trying on sneakers or engaging in gamified fitness challenges, these interactions aren’t just fun. They foster loyalty, spark curiosity and position the brand as a trailblazer in innovation.

Designing virtual environments and video games is also becoming a marketing tool that clients and brands are looking to incorporate into their strategies. For instance, Amazon launched a new virtual environment where users can shop the internet in 3D. Instead of scrolling through a web page, Amazon created a Christmas inspired retail store to celebrate the season through immersive shopping, cheerful music and a festive online shopping experience. With a few clicks, you could add all your favourite items directly into your cart and check out as usual. “We’re always innovating to enhance the shopping experience and empower customers to discover products in easy and fun ways,” said Carmen Nestares Pleguezuelo, Vice President of North America Marketing & Prime Tech.

“With the Virtual Holiday Shop, we are excited to transport shoppers into a new immersive experience where they can browse over 300 of the most coveted gifts and toys of the season.”

Almost everyone wants to be part of the virtual world. The healthcare industry is now embracing virtual environments, with companies like Osso VR creating surgical training modules in highly realistic, risk-free virtual environments. Similarly, VR therapy tools like Psious treat anxiety by immersing patients in controlled, therapeutic scenarios. These technologies are more than innovations—they’re lifesaving tools that redefine how care is delivered. This showcases the transformative power of virtual environments.

Real estate industries are also big players in the demand for virtual environments and video games. Customers can now virtually walk through their homes before they’re even built. Virtual environments gamify furniture selection and allow customers to visualize investments, which saves time and provides a realistic sense of the property.

The value of working in virtual environments

With all these industries involved, the Virtual World (video games, VR, AR etc) is expected to hit a rise of $450 billion by 2030. This means more jobs, better pay and endless possibilities. But more importantly, it means the chance to leave your mark on an industry that’s just getting started, shaping a better world and telling stories that make a difference.

IE University’s Virtual Environment and Video Games program serves as your launchpad to design immersive spaces that resonate—qualities highly sought after by tech giants like Meta, Google, and Microsoft, as well as leading creative agencies and studios. Careers such as Virtual World Designer, Game Developer, Technical Artist, Art Director, and 3D Generalist demand a unique blend of technological expertise and creative design thinking—skills that our program is dedicated to helping you master.

Join us at IE School of Architecture & Design

Your futurehowever isn’t just about a job. It’s about shaping worlds, telling stories, and pushing boundaries. It’s about living a life where your imagination becomes reality.

Join us, and let’s create the future together. The world is waiting.