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Hi folks! It’s good to be back on schedule with this newsletter, and I’m glad to report that things are looking up on my end. Professionally, I’ve uncovered some significant news about camera access on Android XR, which I’ll dive into shortly. Personally, I’ve successfully treated my friends in China to some delicious Italian pasta, made with ingredients I brought from home. So, here’s hoping the coming week is just as positive for all of us!
Top news of the week
The Meta Quest ecosystem is navigating a tricky phase
Henry Stockdale from Upload VR recently published an insightful article on the current hurdles facing the Horizon Store. With the merger of the main store with App Lab and UI changes in Meta Horizon OS and its mobile app emphasizing Horizon Worlds, it’s increasingly difficult for Quest developers to gain visibility for their games. This decrease in discoverability has some studios reporting revenue drops between 50% to 80% compared to their success in 2023. Developers have been voicing their concerns for weeks now—myself included, as you might recall from my recent blog post.
The crux of the issue is that Meta’s store needs an update focused on promoting quality games rather than just more generic knock-offs and Horizon Worlds content. However, Meta responded with a blog post asserting 2023 was a strong year for Quest 3 and Quest 3S, which indeed showed on Steam data, and that the store’s user demographics are shifting. They noted that two-thirds of this year’s headset purchases are from new users, particularly kids, who prefer free-to-play games. Meta seems to be leaning towards catering to this audience, implying developers creating premium content need to find their own solutions.
Reading Meta’s post left me quite concerned. While attracting a younger audience is fantastic, and essential for XR’s growth, both demographics should be able to coexist. Given that Meta takes a 30% cut of transactions, they should aim for a balanced ecosystem that benefits all developers, not just those focused on free-to-play models.
It’s worrying to see layoffs happening in VR studios, like SideQuest and nDreams, this week. Without prompt action from Meta, it’s only natural that developers might pivot to creating content outside VR, or jump ship as soon as viable alternatives, such as Android XR, become available. Meta risks losing the vibrant community it worked hard to cultivate over the past six years if it doesn’t consider all developers’ needs. Meanwhile, the XR community is largely backing the developers, with some Reddit users encouraging others to buy premium games and even uninstalling Horizon Worlds for better search results.
Adding to the upheaval, Mark Rabkin, Meta’s VP of XR, has stepped down for family reasons. The managerial shake-up isn’t likely to speed up a resolution to these challenges.
Other relevant news
2025: A crucial year for XR, according to Andrew Bosworth
A memo from Andrew Bosworth stirred conversations this week. It reads like a rallying cry, urging Meta staff to buckle down and push for XR’s advancement. He pegs 2025 as a pivotal year for XR at Meta, but I’m skeptical about this timeframe. XR is still at an early stage, and we’re unlikely to see any groundbreaking shifts this year. The anticipated launch of Android XR headsets, while noteworthy, may not rival Meta, given the high price point of Samsung’s device.
Meta is investing colossal amounts in XR, planning expenditures well into the 2030s. So framing 2025 as make-or-break seems more motivational than literal. Some speculate Bosworth’s comments hint at potential failure, potentially softening the blow for future budget cuts, but I don’t buy it. They suggest Meta might abandon VR for smart glasses, an unfounded move given its nascent status.
Bosworth’s mention of launching "half a dozen wearables" likely refers to impending smartglasses, smartwatches, and neural smartbands. John Carmack reacted to the memo, approving but critiquing Boz’s emphasis on MR over VR, and his fixation on Horizon Worlds for mobile being a distraction.
Apple’s ongoing efforts with PSVR 2 controllers
News from Marc Gurman indicates Apple’s commitment to integrating PSVR 2 controllers with the Apple Vision Pro. Currently, Sony doesn’t sell the controllers independently, but this could change if a partnership is confirmed. A potential rollout timeline could align with VisionOS 3’s announcement at June’s WWDC.
Android XR to ensure camera access
Big news from Google: the Android XR operating system will provide camera access similar to smartphones. Developers can engage the front and back cameras upon user permission via a popup. The front-facing camera mirrors a phone’s back camera, while the selfie camera feature will reconstruct the user’s avatar face using headset sensors. This user-centric permission process is a win, allowing for genuine mixed reality experiences.
News worth a mention
Quest Game Optimizer Hits 100K Users
Amid these turbulent times, here’s a positive nugget. Quest Game Optimizer—an app for fine-tuning Quest settings—is now used by 100,000 people! Congrats to its developer, as this is quite an achievement for an app outside of the store, requiring sideloading.
John Carmack on XR Games’ Impact
John Carmack noted that standalone VR, highlighted by Beat Saber’s success, was VR’s greatest triumph, surpassing Half-Life Alyx. While Alyx showcased VR potential to hardcore gamers, Beat Saber drove wider adoption, both crucial in their own right.
Ray-Ban Meta’s Super Bowl Ad Campaign
Meta’s promoting its Ray-Ban Meta glasses with two ads featuring notable Hollywood actors for the Super Bowl. While they’re not amazing – the timing feels off and jokes fall flat – I hope they boost public interest in smart glasses.
Spatial.io Ventures Into Gaming
After pivoting from enterprise meetings to NFT showcase, Spatial.io is finding success in gaming with Animal Company, a Gorilla Tag-inspired game. It’s great to see them finally hitting their stride after several business shifts.
Civilization VII Headed to VR
Sid Meier’s Civilization VII is coming to Meta Quest, alongside traditional flatscreen platforms, available in both MR and VR. As someone who enjoyed Civilization II back in the day, this news is delightful, though I’m unsure if it’s what the current Quest audience is keen on.
Some content highlights
- Synth Riders celebrated the Super Bowl with a Kendrick Lamar Experience on Apple Vision Pro.
- FRENZIES launched a Super Bowl-themed event on Quest.
- Gorilla Tag honored its fourth birthday with a special event.
- Harpagun, a new VR shooter-smasher, enters early access on Quest on February 13.
- Project Aeroes, a mixed reality game, launched on Quest for $9.99, free until March 5 for a limited trial.
For more details on these and other content updates, check out the links provided.
Reviews and Opinions
- COLD VR offers an intriguing take on SUPERHOT, though some levels could use refinement to enhance the experience.
Other industry updates
- Steam now flags early access games left un-updated for over a year.
- Stereopsia and AWE Europe have merged, creating a single event named UnitedXR in Brussels.
- Inside Meta, work is ongoing for a "Desk Mode" for Meta AI on Quest, but it’s uncertain if or when it will be released.
News from our partners
Support XR developers in whatever way you can. Purchase a game or app, leave a positive review, share your favorites with friends, or give them some spotlight on your social media. Every bit of support counts and is immensely appreciated.
Some XR Fun
- Universal mod with clever comments: Funny link
- Do you have money for a new headset? Funny link
Support for a Worthy Cause
Finally, I urge you to consider donating to the Red Cross to aid those affected by the crisis in Ukraine. Here’s the link to contribute: Support The Red Cross in Ukraine. A heartfelt thanks to my Patreon supporters who make my work possible:
In closing, I hope this roundup sheds some light on the current XR landscape. Until next time, take care and keep exploring the exciting world of XR!
