Another week brings a fresh wave of XR updates that you won’t want to miss!
Highlights of the Week
Niantic’s decision to potentially sell off its gaming division, including the wildly popular Pokémon Go, came as a shock. Bloomberg reports that Saudi Arabia’s Scopely could be the buyer for a staggering $3.5 billion. Pokémon Go continues to be a significant revenue driver for Niantic, despite the fading buzz, through a dedicated fanbase. However, other ventures, such as the AR Harry Potter game, didn’t replicate this success and were eventually shelved. Selling its gaming assets might seem abrupt, but strategists suggest Niantic aims to double down on creating an "outdoor metaverse." By focusing on AR and leveraging $3.5 billion in capital, Niantic plans to significantly enhance its AR technology and geospatial tools. This strategy reflects a bold shift, gambling everything on AR’s future prospects. As someone passionate about XR, I’m excited by Niantic’s direction as it signals a strong belief in the growth of XR over the next three years.
Other Notable Updates
Meta has launched a $50 million Creator Fund for its Horizon Worlds platform, where bonuses will reward top contributors based on various metrics like retention and in-world purchases. They’re also updating their Horizon Worlds editor to a more robust desktop version, resembling game engines like Unity. Although it’s encouraging to see support for creators, the timing seems off. Many developers are frustrated by the visibility challenges on the Horizon Store, and some question if Meta’s focus on Horizon Worlds is detrimental to the broader Quest ecosystem. This initiative might attract those who can afford to take risks without guaranteed payment, such as students or passionate fans, rather than established XR studios who could genuinely elevate the platform.
Continuing Struggles and Success Stories in XR
Despite another tough week for XR, there are pockets of positivity. Embracer Group noted that Metro Awakening didn’t meet financial targets, but still garnered positive reviews. Toast Interactive downsized due, in part, to poor store visibility for their game Max Mustard. There’s a notable disconnect between developers and users regarding content discovery in the Horizon Store. However, success stories persist, like 3R Games’ Thief Simulator VR, with impressive sales figures over 310,000 units on Quest. Such achievements offer hope amidst broader industry challenges.
Upcoming Meta Connect 2025 and More
Mark your calendars for Meta Connect on September 17-18, although no Quest 4 announcements are expected. Attendees can anticipate smart glasses updates and third-party headset collaborations. Also noteworthy, Palmer Luckey sheds light on a military-focused headset, touting it as the most advanced AR/VR/MR system to date, potentially rivaling the innovations seen since Oculus’s inception.
Meta Terminology Evolves
Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth recently stated that "MR" now encompasses both MR and VR under their branding. This linguistic shift raises questions about Meta’s positioning relative to Apple, especially amidst concerns that VR developers might feel sidelined.
Latest VR Runtime Features and Events
The Quest’s new runtime introduces intriguing features, like high-quality mirroring via DisplayPort-through-USB-C and optimizing casting experiences. The VR Games Showcase returns March 11th, promising fresh insights into titles like Roboquest VR and new releases from Flat2VR Studios.
Developer Resources and VR Content News
Beyond the gaming sphere, Humble Bundle has curated a VR Game Dev Bundle for aspiring developers. Meanwhile, new game announcements in the XR field continue to captivate audiences, from narrative-driven Detective VR to Mythic Realms’ upcoming release.
Content Reviews
Several VR experiences made a splash, including the compelling "One True Path – Part 1," and "Selina: Mind At Large," which though plagued with bugs, strives to create an intimate connection with its protagonist.
More Insights and Innovations
Articles this week delve into topics like the benefits of RTX 5090 graphics for VR games and new insights into quantum computing advancements, while a fun visual evolution of VR headsets entertains enthusiasts.
A Call to Donate
Lastly, I encourage support for those facing hardships due to global conflicts. The Red Cross is actively aiding Ukraine, and contributions are vital. As always, a warm thank you to my Patreon supporters for your continued backing, helping sustain this platform.
(Header image by Niantic)
