We are thrilled to announce the Niantic Studio Real-World Gaming Challenge winners! Over the past two months, developers were tasked with creating real-world WebXR experiences using Gaussian splats and Niantic VPS (Visual Positioning System) for Web technology in Niantic Studio. With a $15,000 prize pool at stake, the challenge sparked incredible creativity, innovation, and technical excellence.

From multiplayer WebAR racing games to cultural explorations and mindfulness experiences, developers showcased the limitless possibilities of real-world WebAR. Let’s dive into the standout projects that captured the judges' attention and redefined immersive gaming.

 

🏆 Niantic VPS Grand Prize Winners:

Puzzle AR by Stijn Spanhove

Bringing the joy of puzzling into a 3D space, Puzzle AR uses Niantic VPS for Web to create an engaging real-world game where players solve a puzzle within a physical environment. This seamless blend of digital interactivity and real-world exploration offers a unique, hands-on experience.

Point Drifters by Kum Peng Han & Tong Xin Jo

Inspired by their previous creation, Highway Swayers, this AR racing game challenges players to strategically place points around a VPS-activated location, creating invisible tracks for cars to navigate. Featuring multiplayer gameplay, dynamic lap time recording, and spatial audio, Point Drifters transforms real-world locations into thrilling racetracks.

 

✨ Splat Grand Prize Winners

Toy Trek by Declan Johnson

Inspired by Toy Story and Jump King, this game invites players to explore a miniature world brought to life using Gaussian splats. Navigate through challenging environments filled with scattered toys, blending nostalgia and cutting-edge AR.

Gaussian Splat Drive by Alexson Chu

Combining Niantic VPS for Web and Gaussian splats, this driving game takes players into a hidden micro-world. From a car's perspective, players explore detailed environments and hunt for "virus" objects only visible through the car's unique POV, creating a multi-layered gameplay experience.

 

🌟 Lifestyle and Culture Winners

The Djenné Exploration by Nwankwo Micheal & Ithiel Moti 
This interactive cultural journey leverages Gaussian splats and AI integration to immerse players in the rich history and traditions of Djenné. This experience bridges AR and cultural storytelling using proximity triggers to educational portals.

Monument Rozenoord: A Tribute in Time and Space by Gianluca Di Vincenzo 
Translating the powerful symbolism of Amsterdam’s Monument Rozenoord into AR, this project allows players to explore the space, interact with empty chairs symbolizing interrupted lives, and uncover historical stories through animations and original compositions.

 

🧠 Spatial Learning Winners

Dresden Mystery by Paul Wolff 
This multiplayer escape room experience combines Niantic Studio and WebRTC to enable collaborative puzzle-solving. With unique player roles and synchronized devices, Dresden Mystery sets a new standard for interactive, location-based AR games.

Little-Krishna Game by Sagar Vajar, Nakul Bhaliya, Faiz Mulla & Urjit Dave
Celebrate India's festive spirit with this Janmashtami-themed VPS game. Players throw pebbles to interact with Matkis (clay pots), triggering engaging animations, sound effects, and a scoring system.

 

❤️ Health and Wellness Winners 

What Happens in the Mind? by Libardo Martinez Durango
Using Face Effects and head tilt, Fishing Bubbles challenges players to blow bubbles and catch fish in a whimsical AR environment. The simple mechanics and intuitive controls make it a relaxing yet engaging experience.

Lucky Fountain by Muhammad Dean Fitrah
Reimagining the timeless tradition of making wishes at fountains, this VPS-based game lets players toss virtual coins into a real-world fountain. With calming affirmations and lifelike water effects, Lucky Fountain promotes mindfulness and positivity.

 

🎖 Honorable Mentions

• TwinkleSplat by Gianluca Di Vincenzo
• Duck Hunt AR by Antares XR
• Mermaid Defender by Adrian Majewski
• Magic Flashlight VPS by Alexson Chu

Congratulations to All Participants! This challenge highlighted the incredible potential of Niantic Studio to create immersive, location-based AR experiences. The creativity and technical expertise displayed in every submission were truly inspiring, and we can’t wait to see how developers continue to innovate.

Stay tuned for more challenges and opportunities to showcase your talent. The future of real-world AR gaming is bright, and we’re thrilled to have you as part of our community!

 

 

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