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Another week has rolled around, and with it comes a fresh batch of XR news that you won’t want to miss!
Top News of the Week
Niantic Considering Sale of Its Gaming Division
Bloomberg dropped quite the bombshell this week: Niantic is reportedly in discussions with Scopely, owned by Saudi Arabia, to sell its gaming division for a staggering $3.5 billion. This is a major development, potentially involving the transfer of the wildly popular Pokemon Go to new hands. The news is a bit of a shocker, given Pokemon Go’s enduring success and dedicated fanbase. Despite releases like their Harry Potter AR game failing to make a similar impact, Niantic has maintained strong revenues, largely thanks to Pokemon Go. It’s perplexing to see them contemplating the sale of a revenue powerhouse and a rich data source that feeds their AR innovations. Analysts suggest this move might be Niantic’s way of doubling down on its vision for an “outdoor metaverse” focused on AR services and potentially AR headsets. This bold strategy is high-risk, high-reward, stripping them of their safety net. Yet, if Niantic sees now as the perfect moment for this gamble, it might just mean AR is set to explode in popularity over the next few years.
Other Relevant News
Meta Unveils $50M Fund for Horizon Worlds
Meta has announced an impressive $50 million creator fund for its Horizon Worlds platform. This fund will reward creators who significantly contribute to the ecosystem with monthly bonuses, reflecting their world’s engagement metrics. Accompanying this, Meta is launching a world-building contest on March 11, offering prizes up to $100,000. Additionally, new tools, including a desktop editor reminiscent of software like Unity, aim to enhance creator capabilities on the platform. There’s a lot to be excited about, but the timing feels off, considering developers continue to struggle with visibility issues on the Horizon Store. While rewarding creators can be beneficial, the strategy seems lacking foresight, potentially sidelining small startups. It might inadvertently replicate a ‘Roblox’ ecosystem, dominated by enthusiasts rather than professional creators. Ideally, Meta should attract people through superior products rather than monetary incentives alone to ensure a thriving ecosystem.
The Ongoing Challenges in XR
Unfortunately, the XR industry continues to face troubles, notably with layoffs and complaints about the Horizon Store’s quality. Developers voice frustration over visibility issues, and users echo dissatisfaction with available game quality. Nevertheless, some success stories persist, like 3R Games’ robust sales for ‘Thief Simulator VR: Greenview Street,’ showcasing there’s still hope amidst these challenges.
Meta Connect 2025 Dates Announced
Meta Connect is scheduled for September 17 and 18. While a new Quest model isn’t expected, look for potential smart glasses announcements and updates on third-party Horizon headsets. Meta is saving AI news for their newly minted LlamaCon, so we’ll have to see what unfolds at Connect.
News Worth a Mention
Palmer Luckey’s Exciting New Headset
Palmer Luckey is making waves with bold claims about his new military-grade headset. Designed from scratch, it aims to surpass existing AR/VR/MR devices in every aspect, promising an unprecedented leap akin to his early days with Oculus. This device’s potential is sure to stir anticipation across the industry.
Meta’s Shift in Terminology
Meta is now using “MR” to refer to both MR and VR, which has stirred confusion. Many developers worry this shift seems more like an attempt to compete with Apple rather than reflecting actual content focus. The term MR may unintentionally overshadow the VR segment, leading to concern among developers.
Meta Quest v74 and Its Features
The new Quest runtime update includes exciting features such as external monitor connectivity through USB-C for better demo experiences and improved casting capabilities. Additional features improve VR game multitasking and home environment setups, showing a commitment to enhancing user experience.
Upcoming Events and Releases
The VR Games Showcase is returning on March 11, promising new game insights and announcements. Humble Bundle is also offering a valuable development resource package catering to popular engines, a boon for developers looking to enhance their skills.
Content Releases and Reviews
Exciting new XR content, ranging from investigative games like Detective VR to shooters and narrative adventures, is slated for release in 2026. Noteworthy reviews highlight immersive experiences like “One True Path” and point out a few titles plagued with bugs needing attention for better playability.
Other News
From advanced graphics in VR to innovative developments like quantum chips, the tech landscape keeps evolving. An insightful article showcases dramatic visual improvements in RTX 5090-powered VR games, emphasizing technology’s capability in enhancing gaming experiences.
Final Thoughts
Help spread some good by donating to the Red Cross and aiding those affected by crises, such as the current situation in Ukraine. A small gesture can make a significant impact.
And there you have it—this week’s thrilling XR highlights!
