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

What a week it has been, filled to the brim with excitement and unforeseen turns in the tech world. On my end, the workload has been pretty intense but in the most thrilling way possible. Just when I thought things couldn’t get any busier, Meta rolled out camera access for Quest, and diving into that was simply irresistible! Anyway, let’s dive into the juiciest XR news highlights from the week. You won’t want to miss out on the giveaway at the end!

Top News of the Week

Niantic’s Big Move

In a major corporate shift, Niantic has sold off its gaming division to Scopely for an impressive $3.85 billion. This includes their crown jewel, Pokémon Go. With Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund as Scopely’s parent, Pokémon Go now falls under the ownership of Saudi Arabian royalty. Niantic is now shifting its focus toward geospatial technology, combining AI, AR, and geolocation under a new venture called Niantic Spatial, buoyed by an initial $250 million in funds.

This move is a high-stakes gamble. While $3.85 billion is no small sum, Niantic has parted with a proven money-maker in hopes of a flourishing future in XR. They’re banking on the AR market’s rapid ascent within the next few years. It’s a leap into the unknown without Pokémon Go as their safety net, which could spell trouble if the XR market takes longer to mature. That being said, John Hanke’s bold pivot is commendable, and it’s clear they’re betting big on the potential of XR.

More on this story: Niantic sold Pokémon Go to Scopely — Road To VR, Niantic sold Pokémon Go to Scopely — Upload VR.

Meta’s Latest Release: Passthrough APIs for Quest 3/3S

Meta has finally released Passthrough APIs, letting developers tap into camera frames so that MR apps running on Quest can better understand and interact with their surroundings. This comes alongside some official samples, and the community has already begun crafting tutorials to explore these new capabilities. I’ve contributed a comprehensive guide on my blog to help everyone start with this new tech.

The approach aligns with Google’s strategy for Android XR, making it straightforward for developers to create cross-platform applications that utilize camera access across devices. Currently, this feature is experimental, so apps using it can’t hit the Horizon Store just yet, but it won’t be long before that changes.

Find out more: Roberto Coviello announcing camera access for Quest, Meta releases camera access — Upload VR, Developer studios experimenting with camera access, Dilmer Valecillos demo, My detailed tutorial.

VR Games Showcase Unveils Exciting XR Announcements

The VR Games Showcase, hosted by Jamie Feltham, was full of intriguing updates this year. While no earth-shattering announcements were made, there were plenty of enticing updates. Here are some highlights:

• "Stay: Forever Home" is set to launch on Quest in April, offering adventures with a virtual canine sidekick.
• A promising trailer for "Hitman: World of Assassination" on PSVR 2 has dropped in anticipation of its March 27th release.
• Sci-fi survival horror title "Memoreum" is eyeing a September launch on Quest, with a captivating new trailer.
• "Slender: The Arrival VR" is coming this spring, promising an even more terrifying experience in VR.
• FLAT2VR Studios is porting four flatscreen games to VR, including titles like "Out of Sight" and "Surviving Mars."

Read all announcements here: All the VR Games Showcase news, Titan Isles from Psytec Games, Multiplayer shooter ‘Forefront’ by Triangle Factory, and more.

The Dismantling of Ultraleap

It’s with heavy hearts that we report Ultraleap’s division into parts. Known for its innovations in haptics and hand tracking, the company is now a shadow of its former self. According to reports, its hand-tracking assets will join Roli, a musical instrument company. Meanwhile, SIM IP will acquire its intellectual property. The abrupt change leaves questions about the future of Ultraleap’s hardware and previously integrated technology.

Further details: Ultraleap news.

Samsung’s Upcoming Headset and Controllers

Samsung edges closer to its Project Moohan headset launch, lining up first-party controllers with the model number ET-OI610. This decision deviates from Apple’s hand-tracking focus, potentially easing game transitions from other platforms to Samsung’s ecosystem, particularly with Android XR’s cross-compatibility efforts.

Read more: Samsung headset update.

Horizon Worlds Faces Internal Challenges

Horizon Worlds, Meta’s take on the metaverse, continues to encounter hurdles. Surprisingly, even its developers aren’t engaged within the virtual space. A report from New World Notes highlights a lack of passion and expertise among the team, affecting everything from user experience to internal morale.

More Insights: Horizon Worlds conundrum.

News Nuggets and Noteworthy Mentions

• Google Eyeing Eye-Tracking Company AdHawk: Google eyes a $115 million acquisition of AdHawk Microsystems, which pioneers non-optical, laser-based eye-tracking technology.
• Valve Develops a Wireless Dongle: Valve is working on a SteamVR Link Dongle for a dedicated Wi-Fi connection with PC VR, and the Steam Link app might soon reach Pico and HTC headsets.
• Meta’s Micro Gestures Update: Now part of the SDK, Meta’s new feature detects subtle finger motions, offering seamless interactions in mixed and virtual reality.

Explore more stories: Google AdHawk acquisition, Valve’s wireless advancements, Meta’s micro gestures.

A Quick Glance at New and Upcoming Games

Life in the gaming world is never dull. Here’s what to expect soon:

• "BEATABLE": Coming April 10, this rhythm game has players drumming along to music with beats on a table.
• "Path of Fury — Episode I: Tetsuo’s Tower": Now on Quest for $10, this action-packed game blends rhythm and combat.
• "Quantum Threshold": A VR roguelike shooter designed for enhanced accessibility.
• "Penguin Festival": Expect hours of event-coordinating fun on Quest and Steam.
• "RoboCop: Streets of Anarchy": A thrilling VR adaptation of the sci-fi classic, slated for late 2025, but exclusively for arcades.

Details and more games here: BEATABLE game info, Details on Path of Fury, More about Quantum Threshold, Penguin Festival](#), Exoshock details, Robocop plans.

Upcoming Giveaways and Fun Links

Looking to snag a free game? The team behind "Mythic Realms" has generously offered two free keys! Hurry and grab one before they vanish like hotcakes. Even if you’re not one of the lucky few, consider purchasing a copy to show the developers some love and support their hard work.

Access the game on the Horizon Store.

And for a bit of laughter and lightheartedness, check out these funny links related to the ever-evolving world of XR.

Humanitarian Calls and Gratitude

Lastly, while we often enjoy the tech world’s marvels, it’s crucial to give back to those facing dire realities. Please consider donating to the Red Cross to assist in Ukraine’s ongoing humanitarian crisis. Also, a heartfelt thanks to my Patreon supporters — your contributions make a difference every day.

Support The Red Cross in Ukraine

(Header image courtesy of Niantic)