Google's latest VR hires include former Double Fine designers

Google confirmed today that its virtual reality efforts will be bolstered by the acquisition of Dublin-based 3D sound startup Thrive Audio and Skillman & Hackett, a San Francisco firm founded by former Double Fine folks Patrick Hackett and Drew Skillman.

This is most notable because Skillman & Hackett is responsible for TiltBrush, the virtual reality art program recently employed by Valve to demonstrate the capabilities of its SteamVR prototype.

The demo was lauded by many (including Gamasutra editor-in-chief Kris Graft) for its remarkable 3D user interface, which earned its creators the Virtual Reality Foundation's 2014 Proto Award for "Best GUI" and, now, a place at Google.

They and the team at Thrive Audio are expected to contribute to Google's efforts to produce virtual reality experiences for Google Play, with a specific focus on making apps and games that play well with Google Cardboard.