Owlchemy Labs and Resolution Games are gearing up to extend their popular games to Google’s forthcoming Android XR platform. This move marks their commitment to deliver some fan-favorite titles to the new XR system which will make its debut on Samsung’s ‘Project Moohan,’ a mixed reality headset expected to hit the consumer market in 2025. Unlike Google’s older Daydream, this version of Android is specifically tailored for XR headsets, offering support not only for flat Android apps but also for immersive XR content.
Having established themselves as seasoned players in the XR space, Owlchemy Labs and Resolution Games are leveraging their expertise yet again. It’s what you might call a strategic ‘first mover’ advantage, as both companies have consistently backed major VR platforms. Their decision to support Android XR isn’t entirely unexpected but is certainly significant.
In line with these developments, Owlchemy Labs has unveiled plans to bring their beloved VR games, Job Simulator (launched in 2016) and its sequel, Vacation Simulator (2019), to the Android XR platform. Meanwhile, Resolution Games has announced the addition of Demeo (2021) to the lineup.
Samsung is keenly positioning Project Moohan by emphasizing its hand and eye-tracking capabilities, echoing some of the features seen in the Apple Vision Pro. However, Project Moohan is set to distinguish itself with first-party motion controllers and the ability to stream PC VR content, creating a unique blend of functionality akin to what we’ve seen with the Quest.
For trails like Owlchemy Labs and Resolution Games, transitioning their titles to Android XR should be relatively straightforward. This ease comes courtesy of Unity’s immediate support for Android XR, which crucially includes the integration of the standardized OpenXR software. This infrastructure means that implementing hand and eye-tracking features, already present in their Vision Pro titles, is now a more seamless process.
In a press release, Owlchemy Labs shared their positive experience, noting the smooth transition to Android XR. They highlighted how the platform’s integration with Unity allowed them to use existing Unity APIs without having to rely on external libraries, making it simpler to adapt their current games for the new XR environment.
Resolution Games echoes this sentiment. Their CTO, Johan Gästrin, remarked on how Google’s vision for enhancing social experiences aligns closely with their own objectives, viewing Google’s stance as a significant move in the XR domain.
These announcements introduce three engaging and accessible games, making them a great entry point for XR newcomers. Whether engaging in the hilarious antics of Job Simulator or diving into the immersive, cross-platform multiplayer fun of Demeo, there is plenty to explore. However, it remains to be seen if other XR developers will embrace Android XR as promptly. Much of this adoption likely hinges on Project Moohan’s eventual success, which is still shrouded in mystery given the unknowns about pricing, specifications, and the exact release date.
