Square Enix has just announced a new partnership with mobile chipmaker Qualcomm to create "extended reality (XR) experiences for Square Enix’s global network of leading development studios and intellectual property." The Advanced Technology Division at Square Enix will work with Qualcomm's Snapdragon Spaces XR Developer Platform to create new games that will take full advantage of emerging AR technologies.
“Square Enix has always been committed to state-of-the-art game technology to push storytelling boundaries, delivering unforgettable experiences for our fans,” said Ben Taylor, technology director at Square Enix. “We have been investing in XR and look forward to building on Snapdragon Spaces. In particular, we think the time is right with XR to innovate on games of a classic genre we are especially known for and look forward to sharing them with the world to further our mission to help spread happiness across the globe.”
Brian Vogelsang, senior director of XR product management at Qualcomm, confirmed the partnership will explore "gaming with AR glasses."
Although promised for years, augmented reality is still in its infancy. It describes using technology to see virtual objects in real space, a somewhat safer way of gaming than full VR since it means you'll still be able to see what surrounds you. Rather than a full VR headset, augmented reality is experienced mostly through your phone's camera lens at present, but multiple companies have promised augmented reality glasses are just around the corner.
Niantic is easily the leader of the pack when it comes to augmented reality. Pokemon Go is still a billion-dollar game, and Niantic is putting that money into exploring new and exciting ways to experience augmented reality games, including through the lenses of AR glasses.
Disney is another company looking to get into AR, but this time without bulky headsets or glasses. Disney's Virtual World Simulator proposed a patent that would make use of body-tracking technology and multiple projects to create a virtual space for users to play in. It's just a patent at the moment, but it could create a whole new amusement for Disney's theme parks.