A fresh week brings with it a brand-new round of XR news, brimming with interesting developments!
Top Stories of the Week
Image by Niantic
Niantic might be shaking things up by considering the sale of its gaming division to Scopely, a Saudi-owned company, for a whopping $3.5 billion, according to Bloomberg. This potential deal could mean Niantic letting go of its golden goose, Pokémon Go. Despite the eased buzz around the game nowadays, it’s still raking in impressive revenue from its loyal fanbase. The perplexing bit is why Niantic would want to sell such a lucrative asset, especially when they’ve struggled to replicate its success with other ventures like the discontinued Harry Potter AR game. Analysts suggest this move is part of Niantic’s shift towards becoming a major player in the “outdoor metaverse”—focusing on augmented reality services and possibly developing AR headsets. It’s a bold, risky pivot, especially without the safety net Pokémon Go provides, but as an XR enthusiast, it’s exciting to see Niantic betting big on the future of AR. If they’re pushing forward now, they must foresee major strides in AR in the coming years.
Other Important News
Image by Meta
Meta is infusing Horizon Worlds with a $50 million fund intended for creators. This boost is meant to support creators who significantly contribute to the platform. Monthly bonuses will reward creators based on several factors, including time spent and successful in-world transactions. And there’s more! Meta is also hosting a contest with prizes up to $100,000. As positive as this might sound, it’s arriving amid criticism about how Meta’s platform is hogging visibility at the expense of other developers. Plus, while Meta is enhancing creation tools and rolling out a more robust desktop editor, the approach to awarding these funds doesn’t guarantee upfront support for promising projects. Instead, contributors get paid based on success, which might deter smaller teams who can’t afford to work without financial assurance. It feels a bit like Roblox—encouraging work from creators who might not see the payoff. Ultimately, while it’s wonderful to see more money flowing to creators, it’s perhaps time for Meta to reevaluate this strategy.
Continuing Challenges in XR
Despite some tough times in the XR industry with reports of layoffs, a few success stories offer hope. The Meta Horizon Store’s visibility issues persist, frustrating developers and users alike. Meanwhile, Embracer Group’s Metro Awakening didn’t quite meet financial expectations, even though it performed well overall. Toast Interactive had to let some of its people go, hinting at sales issues tied to visibility in the Quest Store. However, success stories like 3R Games’ Thief Simulator VR reaching over 310,000 units in sales show there’s still potential for profit. Companies like Schell Games and smaller developers are adjusting tactics and diversifying their platform availability to cater to new audiences.
Meta’s Upcoming Events and Updates
Meta has set September 17 and 18 for Connect 2025. While there won’t be a Quest 4 announcement, expect news about new smart glasses and updates on third-party Horizon headsets. On a developmental note, the Meta Quest v74 runtime introduces interesting updates like DisplayPort support—which allows external monitor connection via USB-C, enhancing the demo experience, and some additional optimizations.
Content News and Reviews
There’s plenty of fresh content circulating, from detective and zombie-themed games to a variety of VR shooters and narrative adventures, which just might hit the right notes with adventurous gamers looking for something new. Reviews for games like "One True Path" and "Ashen Arrow" reveal interesting experiences, while some others face bug-related growing pains.
Additional XR Tidbits
Fun news keeps bubbling in the gaming world. An article showcased the stunning graphics VR games achieve with an RTX 5090, and there’s a detailed hand-tracking comparison between PSVR 2 and Quest. Plus, Microsoft may be on the brink of a breakthrough in quantum computing, and nostalgic reflections trace VR headsets’ evolution over time.
Golden Kingdom Highlight
Golden Kingdom hopes to deliver with its ambitious open-world fantasy RPG, currently offering a free demo during the Steam Next Fest—perfect for curious players.
Light-Hearted XR Fun
In the spirit of humor, little quips poke fun at the AI’s capabilities and Meta’s developer engagements, keeping things lively.
In summation, amid the rolling changes and advancements, it’s also a time to reflect and give back. Consider supporting aid efforts, such as the Red Cross in Ukraine, during these challenging times. Thank you to all who support this blog, and keep championing the good work in gaming and beyond!
