‘Job Simulator’ and ‘Demeo’ Lead the Way in Android XR Support as Samsung Prepares Headset Launch

Owlchemy Labs and Resolution Games have exciting news for fans: they’re both jumping on board with Android XR to bring some of their most popular games to Google’s new XR operating system.

Set to launch with Samsung’s ‘Project Moohan’ mixed reality headset in 2025, Android XR isn’t just an upgrade from Daydream. This cutting-edge version of Android will not only host a wide array of flat Android apps but also offer a rich collection of immersive XR content.

Having established themselves as leading XR studios, Google partners Owlchemy Labs and Resolution Games are once again seizing the ‘first mover’ advantage. Both studios have a strong track record of embracing major VR platforms, so this move seems right in line with their strategy.

In individual announcements, Owlchemy Labs shared that their hit VR games Job Simulator (2016) and Vacation Simulator (2019) would be available on Android XR. Meanwhile, Resolution Games confirmed that Demeo (2021) would also join the lineup.

Samsung’s Project Moohan is creating quite a buzz with its advanced hand and eye-tracking features, similar to what Apple Vision Pro offers. Yet, the Project Moohan headset will also include motion controllers and capabilities for PC VR streaming, blending features from different devices.

For both Owlchemy Labs and Resolution Games, bringing their games to Android XR is less daunting, partly because Unity’s immediate support for Android XR, complete with the OpenXR software standard, makes it an easier transition.

“We’re thrilled to develop for Android XR,” Owlchemy Labs mentioned in a statement. “With built-in support from Unity and minimal need for outside library integrations, adapting our games for XR was streamlined.”

Resolution Games echoes this sentiment. Their CTO, Johan Gästrin, pointed out that Google shares their enthusiasm for social gaming experiences, praising Google’s strategic move in the XR arena.

These games are perfect gateways for newcomers: from the zany antics of Job Simulator to the engaging, cross-platform multiplayer world of Demeo. The real question is whether other XR developers will hurry to adopt Android XR. The platform’s growth largely hinges on the success of Project Moohan, with a few unknowns still looming, such as the headset’s price, detailed specs, and exact release date.