Google VR/AR reveals: How VR impacts storytelling and more

It takes complex software and a specific skillset to create compelling VR and AR experiences.

Currently, the available software requires developers to build three-dimensional worlds on a two-dimensional screen.

Google believes that creating these 3D objects while in virtual reality could make the process of development easier.

This led to their creation of Blocks, a VR app for the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift that lets users easily create beautiful, 3D objects in a fraction of the time it takes with traditional software.

According to Google, Blocks is simple enough for anyone to use, even those without any prior modelling experience.

It's designed to feel more like playing with children's blocks than working with traditional 3D modelling software.

Starting with a simple set of shapes, a colour palette, and an intuitive set of tools, you're able to quickly create almost anything you can imagine.

If you own an HTC Vive or Oculus Rift you can get Blocks for free on Oculus Store and Steam.

Google also revealed that they believe the future of journalism lies in VR.

For the past six months, they've conducted a research study that offers insight into what makes VR a distinct storytelling medium, why it's alluring to people, and what that means for storytellers.

They also partnered on this study with a team at Google called ZOO, a creative think tank for brands and agencies.

The study found that VR was a distinctly impactful.

Erica Anderson Google News Lab partner manager discussed how she believes the medium could impact journalism and how she believes journalists should consider using the medium.

Anderson says, "For journalists, focus on conveying an emotional impression, rather than telling a story that follows a traditional narrative arc with a beginning, middle, and an end.

"Consider the emotional state you want the viewer to experience and find the moment within your story that can best deliver that.

"A viewer will often seek out more information about the subject they have just been immersed in, so it makes sense to package that detail or backstory alongside the VR experience.

It is VR's ability to teleport viewers to a new space that could make it an immensely powerful tool for storytelling.