Virtical Labs / Independent R&D
Virtical Labs is our independent R&D space for experimenting with new ways to connect digital experiences with the physical world.
9 winning projects / 4 challenges
Niantic Studio Create & Play Developer Challenge
Best Real-World Game↗A real-world hunting game that turns the player’s surroundings into the play space. Built to explore how physical movement, aim and spatial awareness can become part of a lightweight AR game.
Niantic Studio Create & Play Developer Challenge
Best Use of Niantic Studio↗A fast-moving endless driving game where players steer through traffic, avoid obstacles and collect fuel.
Niantic Studio Create & Play Developer Challenge
Best Face Effects↗A face-controlled pinball experiment that replaces conventional controls with head movement.
Real-World Gaming Challenge · 18 December 2024
Niantic VPS Grand Prize Winner↗A location-anchored driving game built around a real playground using VPS and spatial audio.
Forge the Future Game Jam
Third Place↗A playful physics game inspired by toy cars, pullback vehicles and bowling.
Ultimate Mini Golf Game Jam
Best Puzzle Level↗A fantasy-themed puzzle level combining spatial level design with playful problem solving.
Lenslist × Lightship Templates Challenge
Honorable Mention↗An early Lightship experiment recognised for its creative use of real-world AR templates.
Lenslist × Lightship Templates Challenge
Honorable Mention↗A location-aware Lightship concept selected from more than one hundred submissions.
Lenslist × Lightship Templates Challenge
Honorable Mention↗A playful AR movement experiment recognised by Lenslist and Niantic Lightship.
Have an idea worth testing?