Meet Gooii’s newest talent: Computing placement student Luka, who has a passion for VR and 3D modelling

NTU Computing student joins Gooii for third-year placement

We’re excited to introduce Gooii’s newest team member. Luka is a tech enthusiast who brings creativity, passion and a deep love for Virtual Reality (VR) to our innovative projects.

Bridging university learning with real-world experience

Luka joins us as a Junior Developer for their third-year placement as part of their Computing course at Nottingham Trent University. Having completed two years of study, Luka is gaining hands-on experience at Gooii before returning to finish the final year of the degree. 

Choosing to work at Gooii was a no-brainer for our latest recruit, who has always been drawn to Nottingham’s vibrancy. Beyond its charm, Nottingham offered the perfect environment – an independent and close-knit company where creativity thrives. 

“I really like Nottingham and I wanted to work at a smaller and more indie company rather than a large one. Gooii fits that perfectly, and so far it has really worked out.”

A lifelong love for coding and tech

Gooii’s expertise in VR development was another draw. The world of VR has been a long-standing passion for Luka. The opportunity to dive into this innovative field was too good to pass up.

From a young age, Luka was captivated by coding, surrounded by friends who could already speak the language of computers. This interest didn’t stop at coding, it extended to a broader fascination with computers and electronics.

Now at Gooii, those skills are being applied to a groundbreaking project: an Augmented Reality car show. Luka is currently focusing on Gooii’s 3D modelling work. They’re also developing their coding skills along the way, before they hope to start programming.

“I’m 3D modelling, texturing, rigging and making a basic Unity application. We are making an Augmented Reality car show and I am modelling many of the vehicles that will be on display in the application.”

While the university course is providing a solid foundation, much of the 3D modelling work Luka is doing at Gooii is self-taught – a testament to the power of their curiosity and drive to learn independently. In their spare time during university, Luka would model, texture and configure assets for a game called VRChat using Blender, Substance Painter and Unity. They would then sell those creations. These early projects not only brought in some extra cash but also paved the way for mastering tools that are essential in the professional realm.

An unwavering interest in Virtual Reality

If there’s one thing that truly excites Luka, it’s Virtual Reality. This passion isn’t just professional, it’s personal. Whether it’s hanging out with friends in VRChat or experimenting with the latest VR hardware, Luka is always immersed in the world of VR.

“I have been using VR for years now and have always been interested in the technology. I cannot wait to see what new hardware innovations in the VR space can drive new software experiences. I truly think it is an absolute game changer within our field.”

A love for retro tech and gaming

When not working on cutting-edge VR projects, Luka has a real interest in retro electronics and gaming. “I mess around with retro electronics. I love to collect and maintain older hardware because I find them very interesting. It’s important to keep it all working for history.”

In addition to preserving vintage tech, gaming remains a central hobby, especially playing older video games that hold a special place in their heart.

As Gooii continues to innovate in the world of VR, AR and beyond, we are excited to see our newest team member develop. Their passion for technology, creativity, and coding will really contribute to the team. With a bright future ahead, we know Luka will be a driving force behind some of our most exciting projects yet. Welcome aboard!