The XR Weekly Update (March 18, 2025): Niantic Sells Pokémon Go, Meta Launches Passthrough APIs, and More!

This week has been a whirlwind at work — the kind that’s both intense and exciting. Just as I was juggling all my tasks, Meta rolled out camera access for Quest, and I couldn’t resist diving in! Let’s jump into the week’s most captivating XR news, and stick around till the end for a special giveaway.

Highlight of the Week

Niantic Sells Gaming Division to Scopely

In a surprising turn, Niantic has sold its entire gaming division, including its crown jewel, Pokémon Go, to Scopely for $3.85 billion. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Scopely’s parent company, now holds Pokémon Go under its royal umbrella. Niantic is pivoting to focus on geospatial tech that blends AI, AR, spatial intelligence, and geolocation by launching a spin-off, Niantic Spatial, supported with a $250 million fund.

This move is a massive gamble. While $3.85 billion is a hefty sum, Niantic has let go of its major revenue source, Pokémon Go, to pursue tech that’s not yet a cash cow. It’s a bold bet on the future of XR, suggesting that Niantic envisions AR gaining profitability soon. Yet, shedding Pokémon Go means losing a potential system-seller app for their future glasses, which is risky if AR adoption drags on.

Kudos to John Hanke for taking such a brave leap — all-in for XR with no safety net. Regardless of the outcome, his boldness deserves respect.

Other Major News

Meta Introduces Passthrough APIs for Quest 3/3S

Finally, Meta has unleashed Passthrough APIs, empowering developers to access camera frames, allowing MR applications to "see" and adapt to the user’s environment. These advancements are already spurring community experimentation and content creation. I’ve even written an in-depth blog post to guide folks on getting started with Passthrough Camera Access.

This feature brings exciting potential. Utilizing Google’s Camera2 in Android and WebCamTexture in Unity, cross-platform applications are now easier to develop. However, the feature is currently experimental, meaning apps using it can’t yet hit the Horizon Store. Historically, these restrictions are lifted after a few months, so we just need to be patient.

March 2025 VR Games Showcase: New XR Games Announcements

The VR Games Showcase, led by Jamie Feltham, unveiled a slew of VR gaming news. While there were no groundbreaking revelations, several exciting updates emerged. Here are some highlights:

• Stay: Forever Home launches on Quest in April with a new trailer showcasing this VR/MR companion adventure with your virtual dog.

• Hitman: World of Assassination drops a well-crafted trailer for PSVR 2, heightening anticipation for its March 27th release.

• Memoreum, a sci-fi survival horror game, is set for a September release on Quest with a chilling new trailer.

• Slender: The Arrival VR aims to scare even more on PS VR2, PC VR, & Quest this spring.

More details are linked below, along with announcements of new titles from various studios.

Ultraleap Sells Off Assets

In somber news, Ultraleap, known for its expertise in haptics and hand tracking, is dismantling. They’ve sold their hand-tracking tech to musical instrument company Roli, laying off 30 employees in the process. The remaining 24 will join Roli. SIM IP has acquired Ultraleap’s intellectual property, in a deal expected to finalize soon. Without commenting, the lack of response from Ultraleap suggests the report’s accuracy.

Industry Tidbits

Samsung’s Project Moohan Might Include Motion Controllers

Reports suggest Samsung is set to produce proprietary handsets for its upcoming Project Moohan headset. Spotted model numbers indicate controllers will likely accompany the headsets. This move aligns with Android XR’s aim of seamless content porting between various platforms.

Meta Struggles to Engage Employees in Horizon Worlds

New World Notes highlights Horizon Worlds’ struggles, with unenthusiastic developers faking engagement by tampering headsets just to appear active in the app. Developers reportedly lack passion for virtual worlds, impacting the platform’s progression. Oddly, Meta persists with Horizon Worlds instead of fortifying the broader Quest ecosystem.

News Worth Mentioning

• Google Eyes AdHawk Acquisition: Google looks to snap up AdHawk Microsystems, flaunting a non-camera-based eye-tracking tech, addressing privacy concerns and power consumption.

• Valve Develops Wireless Dongle: Datamining hints at Valve’s wireless dongle for stable PC VR, expected for the Deckard headset. This open approach is expanding Steam Link availability to devices like Pico and HTC.

• Meta Implements Micro Gestures: Meta’s new SDK enables microgesture detection, promising intuitive, effortless MR interactions.

Upcoming and Noteworthy XR Content

• XR Games Introduces BEATABLE: Hitting the tables with rhythm, BEATABLE launches April 10.

• Path of Fury – Episode I: Tetsuo’s Tower: Now on Quest for $10, this action-packed game offers immersive thrills.

• Quantum Threshold: A VR roguelike shooter focused on accessibility, converting your wheelchair into a powerful weapon.

• Exoshock’s New Trailer: This tactical PvE shooter continues to tease with exciting gameplay footage.

Reviews

• Waltz Of The Wizard: Delivers solid hand-tracking on PSVR 2, with only occasional hiccups.

• Deep Cuts: Offers a unique experience, letting players conjure their own movie action scenes with creative freedom.

Extra News and Fun

• Vicon’s New Markerless Motion System: Unveiled at GDC, pushing forward in motion tracking innovation.

• Valve and Steam Extend Sales: Dive into discounted realms of VR gaming with tempting titles on sale across platforms.

Giveaway Alert

Check out Mythic Realms with our exclusive giveaway! Two lucky folks can grab a free game key. If not, don’t hesitate to purchase and support the developers for this intriguing mixed & virtual reality game for Quest.

Stay curious about the burgeoning world of XR — after all, the thrill lies in watching and shaping the evolution of immersive tech. And if you’re able, consider supporting charitable efforts like the Red Cross in Ukraine. Together, we can contribute to meaningful change.

Thanks to all my supportive patrons for fueling this journey. Your continued encouragement drives the heart of our XR community.