Indie VR developers expressed concerns after Google did not feature Android XR at GDC 2025.

March 23, 2025 Android, News


Google ignored indie VR and XR game developers at GDC 2025, raising concerns about what to expect from Android-based headsets like Project Moohan. Social media reports indicated that many top-selling Quest developers were turned away from Google’s Android XR boot camps.

Despite Google’s usual strong presence at GDC, the lack of outreach to indie VR devs, panels, or demos is noticeable. This contrasts with Meta’s active promotion of its new passthrough tech and store profitability at the same conference.

While it’s possible that Google may have conducted closed-door Android XR discussions with larger VR publishers, the absence of public engagement with indie developers remains a point of contention.

A large GDC logo on the show floor

(Image credit: Michael Hicks / Android Central)

The upcoming Google I/O 2025 program may focus on Android XR to attract 2D app developers. Some VR gaming developers are skeptical about Android XR’s approach, especially after the reported rejection of top Quest devs from Google’s boot camps.

Will Android XR ignore the indie VR gaming scene?

An official press screenshot of two different gameplay moments showing silly cartoonish characters interacting with one another in Animal Company on Meta Quest 3.

The most popular VR games look like this; is Google ready to acknowledge that? (Image credit: Wooster Games)

The focus on productivity and enterprise applications in Android XR may overlook the potential of indie VR gaming developers. Some developers feel that Google’s approach to Android XR is sidelining the gaming community and may hinder the platform’s success.

While it’s unclear if Google is fully disregarding Quest developers, there is a sense of skepticism among some VR developers regarding Google’s strategy for Android XR. The emphasis on productivity headsets over gaming raises questions about the platform’s direction.

See also  How to Resolve the iOS 18.5 Mail App Crash

If you're experiencing crashes with the Mail app on iOS 18.5, follow these steps to troubleshoot and fix the issue:

Restart Your Device: Hold down the power button, slide to power off, and then turn it back on.

Update iOS: Ensure you have the latest updates by going to Settings > General > Software Update.

Check Mail Settings: Go to Settings > Mail > Accounts and ensure your email accounts are configured correctly.

Remove and Re-add Accounts: If a specific account is causing issues, try removing it under Settings > Mail > Accounts, and then re-add it.

Clear Mail App Cache: Close the Mail app completely, then reopen it to clear temporary data.

Reset All Settings: Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings. This won't delete your data but will reset system settings.

Contact Apple Support: If the issue persists, reach out to Apple Support for further assistance.

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the Mail app crashing issue on iOS 18.5.

What is Google’s Android XR strategy?

A look at the video player UI of Android XR running on a Samsung Project Moohan headset in mixed reality

Will Android XR rely on flat, floating screens over 3D content? (Image credit: Google)

Concerns have been raised about Google’s approach to Android XR, particularly in its neglect of the indie VR gaming scene. This has led to doubts about the platform’s potential success and the role gaming will play in its future.

While it’s possible that Google has different priorities for Android XR, the lack of outreach or acknowledgment of the gaming community is a point of contention among developers.

Hopefully, Google will address these concerns and provide more clarity on its strategy for Android XR, especially in relation to the indie VR gaming scene, at the upcoming Google I/O in May.