David Rowe is a contract software engineer based in New Zealand with over a decade of experience building virtual worlds, VR platforms, and embedded systems. A core contributor to the open-source Vircadia metaverse and former High Fidelity engineer, he blends front-end TypeScript/Babylon.js work with C++ and Qt backend development to improve avatar tooling, spatial audio, and server-side features. His background in electrical engineering and roles from scientist to founding engineer give him rare cross-domain fluency across image processing, GIS, construction systems, and market research applications. Comfortable as a sole developer or project lead, he routinely ships pragmatic fixes and UX improvements in active open-source projects while sustaining multiple contractor and founding roles. He also monetizes open-source work directly—inviting sponsorship for ongoing Vircadia development—highlighting a practical, community-driven approach to sustaining long-term platform work.
Vircadia open source agent-based metaverse ecosystem.
Role in this project:
Front-end Developer
Contributions:491 reviews, 493 commits, 258 PRs in 2 years 9 months
Contributions summary:David primarily contributed to the front-end aspects of the Vircadia native core, focusing on improving the user experience within the avatar packager. They made several changes related to the user interface, including removing and commenting out buttons, modifying display text, and adding features such as an "Open Project Folder" button. These commits updated the appearance and functionality of the avatar packager by changing links and fixing issues with existing components.
Test platform for various render and interface tests for next-gen VR system
Role in this project:
Backend Developer
Contributions:3491 commits in 5 years 9 months
Contributions summary:David primarily worked on back-end development tasks within the repository, as evidenced by their commits focused on server-side logic and application structure. Their contributions included improvements to application functionalities and integrations. They were also involved in handling different server-side features and functionality.
rendervirtual-realitytest-platformopenvropenxr
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David Rowe - Contract Software Engineer at Vircadia