Dane Willacker

aka Danejw

AI + XR Developer

Based in Hawaii, Dane Willacker is an independent AI + XR Developer harnessing artificial intelligence and virtual/augmented reality to create innovative immersive experiences and development tools. With a background in XR development, a passion for human-computer interaction, and over a decade of software development experience, his work spans XR games, AI-driven applications, and open-source tools aimed at empowering the indie developer community and pushing creative boundaries.

Skills & Technical Proficiencies

Extended Reality (XR) Development

Expert in Unity 3D real-time engine and C# programming for VR applications. Experienced with platforms (Oculus Quest, Rift), 3D environment design, interaction mechanics, multiplayer/social VR, emphasizing user immersion and comfort.

Artificial Intelligence Integration

Proven ability to ship real-time AI systems in XR, voice, and companion apps. Integrates ML agents (Unity ML-Agents), conversational AI (OpenAI GPT), voice recognition (Whisper), and develops AI companions & generative content tools.

Game & Tool Development

Skilled in rapid prototyping & game jams (entertainment & serious apps). Develops custom Unity tools/plugins/editor extensions. Contributor to open-source projects like Open Brush (Google Tilt Brush fork).

Web & Software Engineering

Full-stack deployment of web applications and services (e.g., SongTailor web app, community sites). Proficient in Git/GitHub (44+ repositories) and collaborative development.

Technologies & Tools

Languages:
C#JavaScriptTypeScriptPython
Frameworks:
ReactNext.jsNode.js.NetFastAPIVite.jsHTMLCSS
SDKs & APIs:
Oculus SDKOpenXROpenAI APIAndroidWeb
Tools:
GitGitHubUnityVisual StudioCursorAdobe Creative SuiteAbleton Live

Projects

Your Indie Dev

Founder of a platform empowering indie game developers with tools & insights to make game development easier and more enjoyable. Offers productivity tools developed in-house.

FounderGame DevelopmentTools

Knolia

Creator of an AI-driven companion application (Knolia.org) designed to combat loneliness. A personal AI that learns over time, available 24/7 to listen without judgment. Focuses on social good through empathetic conversational AI.

FounderAISocial GoodWeb AppConversational AIVoice Agent

AI Companion Toolkit

A ready-made toolkit for indie creators to build AI companions with integrated speech (voice) and GPT-based dialogue. Engineered for easy deployment, democratizing AI development.

CreatorAIToolWeb AppVoice Agent

Assistance For Unity

AI chat assistant for the Unity Editor. Provides in-editor help via natural language queries to streamline coding and design tasks, merging AI with developer workflows.

CreatorAIToolUnityGame DevelopmentDeveloper Productivity

SongTailor

Co-developer of an AI-powered music application that creates personalized songs from user stories and input. Launched on Product Hunt (Jan 2025). Integrates generative AI into creative media.

CreatorAIMusicGenerative MediaWeb AppProduct Hunt

Fun VR Projects

The Phantom Delivery (VR)

Folklore-inspired VR adventure game (VR Jam 2023). Players navigate a boat in the Sundarban Mangrove Forest, guided by phantom lights. Handled visual effects (mythical Aleya ghost light) and core gameplay mechanics.

VRGame JamStorytellingUnityVFX

Fireside (VR)

Social VR experience for mental health discussions around a virtual campfire (DeepWell DTx Global Game Jam 2022). Enables anonymous sharing in a safe metaverse space. Co-developed with Eunoia Collab, implementing multi-user features and guided meditation.

VRSocial VRMental HealthGame JamMultiplayerCollaboration

Swapno (VR)

Experimental VR adventure playing as an imaginary friend inside a child's dream (Swapno means 'dream'). Explores imaginative storytelling and world-building in VR.

VRExperimentalStorytellingWorld-BuildingUnity

Open Brush Contributions

Contributed to the open-source VR art tool Open Brush (community-driven fork of Google Tilt Brush). Shares code/examples on GitHub for VR learning (Quest templates, ML pet simulations).

VROpen SourceArt ToolCommunityContributionUnity

Sunlink (Spatial.io)

VR environment on Spatial.io focused on climate change awareness. Showcases microorganisms converting organic waste into electricity within integrated greenhouses.

VRSpatial.ioEnvironmentClimate ChangeSustainabilityEducationalXR

Experience

XR Developer

Remote

Leads the design and development of VR applications and games. Delivers multiple prototypes and immersive experiences, integrating advanced AI where applicable. Involves full-stack game development (Unity/C#), VR hardware optimization, and project oversight from concept to release.

Lead Developer – Universe VR

Remote

Headed the development of internal tools and simulation systems for Universe VR, an organization dedicated to advancing VR game development education. Focused on building scalable solutions to support K–12 learning initiatives across Newark, NJ and Mexico, enabling accessible, high-quality VR experiences in educational environments.

Independent Developer & Collaborator

Remote / Various Teams

Frequently collaborates on external projects and game jam teams (e.g., Eunoia Collab, EmpressVR, Bad Golf Hawaii, Sockoe, VR jam entries). Self-driven learning background and contributor to open communities. Adept at teamwork in remote, cross-functional groups and mentoring others in XR development.