The XR Weekly Overview (March 18, 2025): Niantic’s Pokemon Go Sale, Meta’s Passthrough API Launch, and More!

Wow, what an action-packed week it’s been in the world of XR! The buzz has been nonstop, but don’t worry, I’ve sifted through it all to bring you the most exciting bits. Stick around until the end because there’s a chance to win something cool!

Top Stories This Week

Niantic’s Bold Move: Selling Its Gaming Division to Scopely

In a surprising twist, Niantic has made the giant leap of selling its entire gaming division, including the globally adored Pokemon Go, to Scopely for a staggering $3.85 billion. Now under the control of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, the game’s future is looking rather regal! While Niantic pockets a hefty sum, it’s clear they’re redirecting their focus toward geospatial tech, a bold strategy with eyes on the future of AR. This pivot has birthed a spin-off, Niantic Spatial, backed by $250 million. I’m impressed by CEO John Hanke’s audacity; he’s banking on AR’s promising future, possibly paving the way for groundbreaking advancements—though, without the Pokemon Go safety net, it’s quite the leap of faith!

For more on Niantic’s daring strategy, check out the full stories on Road To VR and Upload VR.

Meta Unlocks New Possibilities with Passthrough APIs for Quest 3/3S

Meta truly shook things up by unveiling Passthrough APIs, allowing Quest developers to access camera feeds for enhanced mixed-reality applications. Developers are already diving in, using these tools to create tutorials and explore new content possibilities. As someone who loves getting hands-on, I’ve even crafted a detailed guide on my blog to help others get started. Though currently labeled "experimental," which bars immediate release on the Horizon Store, this feature promises incredible cross-platform synergy in the near future between Smartphones, Meta Quest, and Android XR headsets—a win for all developers involved!

Catch up on more about this feature from Roberto Coviello, Upload VR, and various developer insights.

Highlights from the VR Games Showcase of March 2025

The latest VR Games Showcase, hosted by Jamie Feltham, delivered a parade of engaging updates and announcements in VR gaming. While it wasn’t an earth-shattering event, several intriguing releases managed to capture our attention. Here are a few highlights just for you:

• "Stay: Forever Home," with its delightful VR adventure featuring a virtual canine companion, is gracing Quest in April, with a fantastic new trailer to boot.
• A fresh teaser for "Hitman: World of Assassination" on PSVR 2 aims to curb our hunger for a solid Hitman VR installment.
• Set to launch on Quest this September, horror aficionado’s should be thrilled by the eerie "Memoreum," now unveiled with a gripping new preview.
• "Slender: The Arrival VR" will send shivers down your spine on PSVR 2, PC VR, and Quest; launch is anticipated this spring.
• Flat2VR Studios reveals four exciting ports of standout flatscreen titles, proving that VR adaptations remain ever-popular.

Dive into each announcement, with more details available through linked news from VR Games Showcase and associated developers.

Sad Farewell: Ultraleap’s Downsizing

The end of an era, as Ultraleap—a trailblazer in haptics and hand-tracking—is dismantled and sold for parts. Known for innovative tech, they’ve sold their hand-tracking assets to Roli, primarily seen in musical tech development. As tough as it is, the reports align with the reality of our sector’s tightrope economics.

Find deeper insights through trusted sources like Sifted.

Samsung’s Project Moohan to Feature Motion Controllers

Samsung’s foray into headsets doesn’t veer off the controller path like Apple, opting instead for a traditional hand-controller combo. This approach ensures seamless content porting from platforms like Meta Quest onto their headset. Compatibility spells good news for Google’s content expansion with Android XR!

For a complete rundown, explore SamMobile‘s latest report.

Challenges at Meta: Employees Avoiding Horizon Worlds

A revealing report from New World Notes sheds light on why Horizon Worlds is struggling—Meta’s team seems to lack the passion for virtual worlds. The internal narrative suggests a disconnect, with employees showing little enthusiasm to immerse themselves in their own creation. This lack of engagement reflects on the platform’s overall appeal.

Head to the linked report for more in-depth analysis.

Amidst the whirlwind of news, Meta also launches support for micro gestures, promising more intuitive interactions. Meanwhile, Immersed faces hurdles as they delay Visor production, raising concerns about financial sustainability. With VR companies under economic scrutiny, venerable names like Phaser Lock and People Can Fly bid adieu to VR publishing.

And while we discuss all things whimsical, two outlandish experiments caught my eye: one, a biological computer sporting live neurons, and another, an endeavor to interact within dreams—imagination runs wild!

Don’t miss the electrifying sales on Steam and Quest with irresistible discounts on VR titles such as "Half-Life: Alyx."

Join the Giveaway for Mythic Realms!

I’ve included an upbeat review of Mythic Realms—more than just a stellar game, two lucky enthusiasts can snag a free key! Be quick to grab one or consider buying to support incredible developers.

Link to the Horizon Store for purchases.

Time to Share: Laughter and Philanthropy

Laugh along with some XR humor and quirky scenarios. But before we wrap up, let’s lend a helping hand to those in need: consider donating to the Red Cross for Ukraine relief efforts. Explore how your generosity can make an impact.

Until next time, I thank every one of you for joining this tech adventure. Dive into some gaming goodness and support our benevolent friends in need. Catch you all soon with another round-up of innovation and creativity!