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Quick Start

SIMPLE requires three software components running at the same time. This page explains what each one does, how they connect, and what you need to install to get started as a Virtual Universe creator.

The three components​

ComponentWhat it doesWhere it runs
GAMARuns the .gaml simulation model; exposes a WebSocket serverOperator's computer
WebPlatformRelays between GAMA and Unity; serves the admin UIOperator's computer
Unity appReceives simulation data from the WebPlatform and renders the VR sceneMeta Quest headset — or Unity Editor for development

All three must be running and connected for a session to work. Getting only the WebPlatform up is not enough.

What you need to install​

ComponentToolGuide
GAMA + SIMPLE pluginGAMA 2025.06GAMA setup
WebPlatformNode.js ≥ 22WebPlatform install
Unity templateUnity 6000.3.8f1Unity setup
Headset connectivityADB (optional for dev)ADB setup

Startup sequence​

Once everything is installed, a typical development session goes like this:

  1. Start GAMA. Open the GAML model you want to test. GAMA will listen on port 1000 for the WebPlatform to connect.
  2. Start the WebPlatform. Run npm start in the simple.webplatform/ directory. The platform connects to GAMA automatically and serves the admin UI at http://localhost:8000.
  3. Run Unity. In the Unity Editor, hit Play (or build and install the APK on your headset). The startup menu will ask for the WebPlatform IP address — enter localhost if everything runs on the same machine, or the machine's local IP for a real headset.
  4. Launch a simulation. In the admin UI, select a Virtual Universe and click Launch. GAMA starts the experiment; Unity receives the simulation data.
tip

For development, run Unity in the Editor with the XR Device Simulator enabled. You can test the full GAMA ↔ WebPlatform ↔ Unity pipeline without a physical headset.

Next steps​

Work through the installation pages in order:

  1. Prerequisites — GAMA, SIMPLE plugin, Node.js, ADB
  2. Install the WebPlatform
  3. Install a Virtual Universe (to have something to launch)
  4. Unity template setup — open the project, configure IP, run in editor