Owlchemy Labs and Resolution Games are jumping on board with Android XR, aiming to bring some of their most celebrated titles to Google’s upcoming XR platform.
Set to debut on Samsung’s ‘Project Moohan’ mixed reality headset, Android XR is expected to hit the consumer market sometime in 2025. Far from the now-discontinued Daydream, this is Android reimagined for XR headsets, allowing it to run not just flat Android apps but also more immersive XR content.
Being long-standing veterans in the XR world, it’s hardly a shocker that both Owlchemy Labs and Resolution Games are seizing this opportunity. These studios have a history of supporting major VR platforms, and their decision to jump into Android XR may just be another savvy move leveraging their early adopter advantage.
In what felt like a double announcement on the same day, Owlchemy Labs let slip that their beloved VR classic, Job Simulator (2016) as well as its popular follow-up, Vacation Simulator (2019), are making their way to Android XR. Meanwhile, Resolution Games shared that Demeo (2021) would be joining them.
Samsung is drawing attention to Project Moohan’s advanced hand and eye-tracking features, promising an experience similar to Apple’s Vision Pro. But Project Moohan also appeals to the VR crowd with familiar motion controllers and PC VR streaming, offering a unique blend of both worlds.
For Owlchemy Labs and Resolution Games, transitioning existing titles to Android XR seems to be straightforward. This is largely due to Unity’s prompt support, which integrates OpenXR standards, allowing developers to easily adapt their games.
In a press release, Owlchemy Labs highlighted, “Developing for Android XR enabled us to streamline creating immersive experiences that work across various XR devices. The integration with the Unity engine, offering most functionalities directly through Unity APIs without third-party libraries, made porting simpler and ensured a smooth transition for our Unity-focused games into the XR sphere.”
Resolution Games echoed this sentiment. CTO Johan Gästrin remarked that Google’s commitment to social experiences aligns with their own focus, lauding Google’s entry as a bold move in the XR arena.
The three announced games offer a fantastic introduction to newcomers—whether indulging in the chaotic fun of Job Simulator or diving into the immersive multiplayer board game world of Demeo. However, there’s a note of cautious optimism regarding whether other XR developers will follow suit. Much hinges on Project Moohan’s uptake, and crucial details like pricing, specs, and the exact launch date remain under wraps and critical to its future in the market.
