Owlchemy Labs and Resolution Games are diving into new territory by bringing some of their most beloved titles to Android XR, the upcoming XR operating system by Google.
Android XR is set to roll out with Samsung’s innovative ‘Project Moohan’ mixed reality headset, expected to hit the consumer market in 2025. Unlike the short-lived Daydream, this is a full-fledged version of Android designed specifically for XR headsets. It offers support for not only the extensive library of traditional Android apps but also for a range of engaging XR content.
Both Owlchemy Labs and Resolution Games are seasoned veterans in the XR industry, and their decision to embrace Android XR isn’t exactly a shocker. These studios have a history of supporting major VR platforms, so their approach follows a familiar pattern of leveraging early mover benefits.
In separate announcements, Owlchemy Labs shared that their iconic VR sensation, Job Simulator, along with its popular sequel, Vacation Simulator, will be joining the Android XR lineup. Not to be left out, Resolution Games confirmed that Demeo will also make its way to the platform.
Samsung is touting Project Moohan’s hand and eye-tracking features as a standout, akin to the Apple Vision Pro. However, it also incorporates first-party motion controllers and PC VR streaming, making it a hybrid of sorts when you compare it to offerings like Quest.
For Owlchemy Labs and Resolution Games, porting features like hand and eye-tracking, already built into their games for Vision Pro, to Android XR seems straightforward. This simplicity is largely thanks to Unity’s comprehensive support for Android XR, which includes integration with the OpenXR software standard.
In a press release, Owlchemy Labs mentioned that developing for Android XR allowed them to “create immersive experiences with ease across a broad range of XR devices.” They praised the platform’s Unity engine integration, pointing out that most functionality is accessible directly from Unity APIs, removing the need for third-party libraries and allowing their Unity-based games to transition smoothly into the XR landscape.
Resolution Games mirrored this sentiment, with CTO Johan Gästrin highlighting Google’s shared vision for crafting social experiences. He applauded Google’s decisive move within the XR space.
The three games slated for Android XR offer a friendly intro to newcomers. Whether it’s the zany antics of Job Simulator or the engaging cross-platform multiplayer board game, Demeo, these games are designed to captivate. Yet, there’s an open question about how quickly other XR studios might jump on board with Android XR. A pivotal consideration is Project Moohan’s success, which will likely depend heavily on the yet-to-be-announced price, specific details, and launch date of the headset.
