8th Wall x VIVERSE Launch Game Jam: Build with Niantic Studio and Win Cash Prizes
Fresh off the launch of its Creator Program, VIVERSE is once again reaching out to the XR creative community—this time by teaming up with 8th Wall, Niantic’s WebXR platform, to co-host a global Game Jam titled “Forge the Future.” Starting May 12, developers, designers, and students are invited to build browser-based XR mini-games and virtual experiences using Niantic Studio. Top entries will have the chance to win up to $10,000 in cash and may even be featured on the VIVERSE platform.
What is Niantic Studio?
Following its recent shift from traditional game development, Niantic has refocused its efforts on spatial computing and XR. As part of this pivot, 8th Wall launched Niantic Studio—a powerful WebXR development toolset designed to be:
- Download-free
- Cross-platform
- Beginner-friendly
With Niantic Studio, creators can build interactive 3D games and immersive XR experiences directly in the browser. The platform features a modular interface for intuitive design—from scene layout and animation to effects control—and supports JavaScript for advanced development needs.
While Niantic is widely recognized for its AR innovations (such as Pokémon GO), Niantic Studio also offers a rich suite of XR and AR tools, including:
- Face Effects & World Tracking: Enable facial interactions and accurately anchor virtual objects in real-world space.
- Image Recognition & VPS (Visual Positioning System): Detect images or locations to create spatially aware content.
- Real-time Physics & Particle Systems: Add realistic movement and visual effects for deeper immersion.
⚠️ Note: While Niantic Studio includes robust AR features, this competition focuses on XR mini-games—not AR-based projects.
How to Enter
To qualify, participants must publish an XR mini-game using Niantic Studio and provide both a demo video (under 1 minute) and a live, playable version of the project hosted on itch.io.
Entry Requirements:
- Must be built using Niantic Studio
- Must be publicly playable with a dedicated project page
- Must include a demo video (under 60 seconds)
- Must be submitted via the official itch.io contest page
Judging Criteria:
Entries will be evaluated by a panel from both VIVERSE and 8th Wall based on:
- Gameplay & replay value
- Creativity & game design
- Technical execution & performance
- Visual presentation & user interface
Awards & Prizes
| Award Category | Winners | Prize (USD) |
| Best in Show | Top 3 | $10,000 / $6,000 / $4,000 |
| Most Addictive Gameplay | 2 winners | $2,000 each |
| Most Polished Experience | 2 winners | $2,000 each |
| Best Student Game | 3 winners | $1,000 each |
| Honorable Mentions | 4 winners | $250 each |
Learn More & Get Involved
For full details, visit the official event page! VIVERSE and 8th Wall will also host online info sessions and developer workshops throughout the contest period to guide creators through the submission process and help them get the most out of Niantic Studio.
Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting out in XR, this is a great opportunity to showcase your skills, win cash prizes, and bring your virtual experiences to life.
