Several prominent game developers are teasing Apple’s highly awaited mixed-reality headset ahead of its debut at WWDC 2023, suggesting that gaming will be a key selling point for the new headset.
Jaroslav Beck, co-founder of Beat Games behind the famous VR game Beat Saber, teased Apple’s headset in a cryptic tweet that references the keynote’s date and includes a sunglasses emoji resembling the rumored ski goggles-like appearance of the headset. Beat Saber could be demoed on stage as Apple showcases the gaming capabilities of its new headset, and could even be a launch title for when the headset is available later this year.
Sean Murray, co-founder of Hello Games that developed hit titles like No Man’s Sky, similarly teased WWDC in a series of mysterious tweets that simply comprise red and green apple emojis.
No Man’s Sky was meant to be available on the Mac and iPad by late 2022 after the announcement was made last year at WWDC 2022, but the deadline was missed and Hello Games is yet to release the title as planned. Murray’s latest tweet could indicate that the game is finally ready to be available on Apple’s platforms, and could even be ready as a release title for Apple’s headset since a VR version of No Man’s Sky is already available on PC and PlayStation VR.
Apple’s mixed-reality headset is expected to feature glass, aluminum, and carbon fiber in a ski goggles-like design. The headset’s dual 4K 1.41-inch micro-OLED displays will provide 4000 PPI and a peak brightness of 5000 nits, resulting in a rich and lifelike appearance for immersive VR gaming. The headset’s dual chips based on the M2 architecture will allow the headset to achieve strong performance and smooth graphics especially when it comes to gaming.
The headset’s “xrOS” software platform is said to feature a home screen similar to that of the iPhone and iPad with a customizable grid of apps and widgets and a suite of 3D iPad-based apps, including FaceTime, Fitness, Meditation, Freeform, TV, and more. Be sure to check out Supercharged’s recap of everything expected to be unveiled at WWDC.