Virtual reality content development environment

A computer-implemented content development environment enables creation of interactive characters and other digital assets for use in various types of 3D content. In this context, 3D content generally may refer to any type of content (e.g., short films, video games, educational content, simulations, etc.), including VR content that can be consumed by viewers using one or more types of VR devices. In many instances, 3D content may be generated using visualization and/or input mechanisms that rely on VR equipment, including one or more three dimensional, computer-generated environments (either real or fantastical) that a viewer can explore using VR devices in similar fashion to how the viewer might explore the real world. For example, a viewer may use a head-mounted display (HMD) device, various motion detecting devices, and/or other devices to simulate the experience of exploring a landscape. One or more different types of VR devices may be used to simulate various sensory experiences including sight, motion, touch, hearing, smell, etc.