‘Job Simulator’ and ‘Demeo’ Lead the Charge in Supporting Android XR Before Samsung Headset Debut

Owlchemy Labs and Resolution Games have some exciting news: they’re gearing up to support Android XR, bringing a selection of their widely-loved games to Google’s upcoming XR operating system.

Android XR is poised to launch as part of Samsung’s ‘Project Moohan’ mixed reality headset, which is expected to hit the market in 2025. Unlike the old Daydream platform, Android XR is a robust version of Android specifically tailored for XR headsets, supporting not only a vast array of standard Android apps but also immersive XR content.

Both Owlchemy Labs and Resolution Games are seasoned players in the XR arena, and their decision to jump on board with Android XR is a smart move. These studios have a strong track record of backing major VR platforms, so this announcement wasn’t entirely unexpected.

In separate statements, Owlchemy Labs announced that their classic VR hits, Job Simulator (2016) and the acclaimed Vacation Simulator (2019), are on their way to Android XR. Meanwhile, Resolution Games revealed that Demeo (2021) will also be joining the lineup.

Samsung is taking a similar approach to Apple Vision Pro, emphasizing Project Moohan’s hand and eye-tracking technology. However, like the Quest, it will also include first-party motion controllers and support for streaming PC VR, making it a compelling mix of features.

For Owlchemy Labs and Resolution Games, integrating their titles with hand and eye-tracking capabilities for Vision Pro means that porting to Android XR should be a relatively straightforward task. This ease is largely due to Unity’s immediate support for Android XR, which incorporates the OpenXR software standard.

Owlchemy Labs commented in a press release, “Developing for Android XR allowed us to create immersive experiences using a streamlined approach compatible with a wide variety of XR devices. The platform’s seamless integration with the Unity engine, enabling most of the functionality directly through Unity APIs without needing third-party libraries, made the porting process smooth and helped us adapt our Unity-based games effortlessly to the XR platform.”

Over at Resolution Games, CTO Johan Gästrin echoed these sentiments, noting that Google shares their vision for social experiences and commending Google’s significant commitment to the XR landscape.

Games like these offer an easy entry point for newcomers, whether it’s the wild antics of Job Simulator or the engrossing, cross-platform multiplayer of Demeo. However, the question remains whether other XR developers will jump on the Android XR bandwagon just as quickly. Much of their decision will likely depend on how Project Moohan performs, including factors like pricing—which hasn’t been disclosed yet—and detailed tech specs and the official release date.