‘Job Simulator’ and ‘Demeo’ Among Initial Titles to Support Android XR Before Samsung Headset Release

Owlchemy Labs and Resolution Games are gearing up to expand their offerings by supporting Android XR, aiming to bring some of their hit games to Google’s anticipated XR operating system.

Android XR is poised to launch with Samsung’s ‘Project Moohan’ mixed reality headset, which is expected to hit the shelves in 2025. Unlike the Daydream VR platform, Android XR is a robust version of Android tailored for XR headsets, allowing users to enjoy the vast array of flat Android apps alongside immersive XR experiences.

Being pioneers in the XR scene, Owlchemy Labs and Resolution Games are keen to leverage their early adopter advantage once more. Both studios have a history of supporting major VR platforms, so this move aligns well with their established strategy.

In independent announcements, Owlchemy Labs shared that they are bringing their classic VR hit Job Simulator (2016) and its popular sequel Vacation Simulator (2019) to Android XR. Meanwhile, Resolution Games confirmed that Demeo (2021) will also be available on the platform.

Samsung’s Project Moohan is drawing attention for its advanced hand and eye-tracking features, akin to Apple’s Vision Pro. Yet, it will also incorporate first-party motion controllers and PC VR streaming, offering a blend of features seen in current XR devices.

For Owlchemy Labs and Resolution Games, porting to Android XR should not pose a significant challenge. They already incorporated hand and eye-tracking in titles compatible with Vision Pro, and Unity’s immediate support for Android XR, which includes the OpenXR standard, further eases this transition.

Owlchemy Labs expressed enthusiasm in a recent press release: “Developing for Android XR offered us a simplified route to crafting immersive experiences across various XR devices. The direct integration with Unity APIs, avoiding third-party libraries, made porting straightforward and ensured smooth adaptation of our Unity-based games to the XR ecosystem.”

Resolution Games echo this sentiment. CTO Johan Gästrin highlighted Google’s alignment with their focus on social experiences, noting Google’s position as a significant player in the XR space.

The trio of games—Job Simulator, Vacation Simulator, and Demeo—serve as inviting gateways for newcomers to XR, offering diverse experiences from whimsical job scenarios to an engaging multiplayer board game. However, there’s still some uncertainty about the pace at which other XR developers might embrace Android XR. Much of this hinges on Project Moohan’s success, with the headset’s pricing, detailed specs, and exact release date still under wraps as pivotal factors.