XR Weekly Roundup (March 18, 2025): Niantic Sells Pokémon Go, Meta Unveils Passthrough APIs, and More!

This week has been a whirlwind for me, especially in the realm of work. Fortunately, it has been the kind of intense that one can only describe as exhilarating. As if I didn’t have enough juggling acts in the air, Meta’s latest move with Quest’s camera access piqued my curiosity, compelling me to dive right in! But enough about my busy schedule—let’s get into the whirlwind of XR happenings over the past week. And be sure to stick around till the end for an exciting giveaway!

Major Updates of the Week

Niantic Sells Gaming Unit to Scopely

In a surprising move, Niantic sold its prized gaming division, including the ever-popular Pokémon Go, to Scopely for a jaw-dropping $3.85 billion. This means Pokémon Go now falls under the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund’s ownership. Niantic is redirecting its focus towards its geospatial technology—a thrilling mix of AI, AR, spatial intelligence, and geolocation—through its spin-off, Niantic Spatial, starting with an impressive $250 million in funding. This pivot away from a lucrative cash cow like Pokémon Go to invest in still-emerging technology is a daring strategic leap. As an enthusiast of AR’s potential, I find this development promising, signaling perhaps a future where AR profitability is within reach. However, it’s a risky venture without Pokémon Go, akin to jumping without a safety net should AR adoption pace not align with expectations. It’s commendable how John Hanke and his team are betting on XR’s bright future despite the inherent uncertainties.

Meta Launches Passthrough APIs for Quest 3/3S

Meta finally unveiled its Passthrough APIs, enabling developers access to camera frames, thus allowing MR applications on Quest to interact with their surroundings more intelligently. This development leverages AI/ML models to enhance application adaptability based on user environment data. This tech is accessible via the newest SDK and runtime updates for Quest and Quest 3S, complete with sample demonstrations for guidance. Eagerly, the community and content creators have begun exploring this new capability, with tutorials already surfacing—including a detailed guide I shared on my blog! Although it’s currently an experimental feature with posting restrictions on the Horizon Store, history suggests a likely lifting of this embargo soon. This mirrors Google’s intended strategy for Android XR, demanding user permissions akin to mobile device camera access protocols, paving the way for easily cross-platform MR app development.

Exciting Reveals at the VR Games Showcase March 2025

The VR Games Showcase, spearheaded by Jamie Feltham, once again delivered an array of exhilarating VR game updates. While there were no earth-shattering revelations, the lineup did not disappoint. Here are some highlights:

• Stay: Forever Home: Scheduled for an April release on Quest, this title promises VR and MR adventures with an endearing virtual canine companion.
• Hitman: World of Assassination: A promising new trailer for PSVR 2, launching March 27th, has amped up excitement for what could be the standout Hitman VR title we’ve been waiting for.
• Memoreum: With its September Quest release, this sci-fi survival horror offering has dropped a tantalizing new trailer.
• Slender: The Arrival VR: Set to haunt PS VR2, PC VR, and Quest players this spring, the already terrifying Slenderman phenomenon ventures into VR, heightening the fear factor significantly.
• Flat2VR Studios: Buoyed by past successes, the studio has announced several new VR ports of popular flatscreen games, underscoring its commitment to diversifying VR gaming landscapes.

Ultraleap Disassembled

This week was marked by the poignant fallout of Ultraleap, once a pioneering force in haptics and hand-tracking technology. Now, the startup is merely a shadow of its former self as it sells components of its business. Roli, a company known for musical instruments, is acquiring its hand-tracking assets, while the remaining hand-tracking division and haptics intellectual properties have transitioned to the US-based SIM IP financing company. Sadly, known for pioneering developments, Ultraleap is quietly bowing out of the spotlight, leaving uncertainty around the peripheral technologies it powered.

Samsung’s Upcoming Headset with Motion Controllers

Reportedly, Samsung’s highly anticipated Project Moohan headset will come paired with its own first-party controllers. While it remains unclear if these will accompany the headset or be sold separately, the inclusion of controllers facilitates ease of content transition from devices like Meta Quest, accelerating content library expansion.

Meta Faces Internal Struggles with Horizon Worlds Engagement

Reports indicate a shocking lack of engagement among Meta’s own employees with its Horizon Worlds virtual space. Developers reportedly showed such disinterest that they resorted to rigging headset sensors to feign activity within the app. This speaks volumes about internal enthusiasm—or lack thereof—as development continues. This revelation raises questions about Meta’s continued investment in Horizon Worlds vs. its broader Quest ecosystem enhancement efforts.

Additional News Highlights

• AdHawk Acquisition: Google’s interest in acquiring eye-tracking company AdHawk underscores its commitment to advancing XR technology.
• Valve’s Wireless Innovations: Valve’s rumored SteamVR Link Dongle points to potential enhancements in wireless VR play, allegedly part of an initiative linked to their next-gen Deckard headset.
• Meta Unveils Micro Gesture Support: Amidst other updates, Meta’s SDK now supports intricate finger micro movements, adding potential for seamless MR interactions.
• Immersed’s Troubled Visor Headset Story: Facing delays, financial ambiguity, and user communication issues, Immersed is striving to stabilize amid uncertainty surrounding its Visor headset.
• VR Industry Contracting: Notable VR entities like Phaser Lock and People Can Fly withdraw due to economic strains and declining platform investments, notably from Meta.

Fascinating Futuristic Ventures

• The creation of a biological computer by Cortical Labs merges human neurons with silicon, a blend that defies traditional understanding.
• Scientists have ventured into connecting people within their dreams, opening endless speculative dialogues about future communication paradigms.

For the Gamers:

Ongoing sales on platforms like Steam and the Horizon Store provide great deals on acclaimed VR titles like Half-Life: Alyx. There are also exciting new game announcements, such as BEATABLE, the hand-banging rhythm game, and intriguing accessibility-focused designs like Quantum Threshold.

Before wrapping up, here’s a shout-out to Mythic Realms enthusiasts: two keys are up for grabs to those quick enough, and as a token of support for developers, consider purchasing if the freebie escapes you!

Supporting a Noble Cause

Finally, as I conclude, I echo a plea similar to last week’s: consider contributing to the humanitarian efforts in Ukraine by supporting the Red Cross’s mission in the region. Deep gratitude to my steadfast Patreon supporters for their continued faith and generosity.

(Header image credit: Niantic)