If you have ever tried to modify your Meta Quest 2 (previously oculus quest 2), you have probably come across SideQuest. An unofficial alternative to the Meta Store, the platform allows developers to release experimental games, tech demos, and more. by side loading. Covering more than 2 million virtual reality users, it has just received a major investment from Google’s investment arm, Google Ventures (GV).
SideQuest first appeared in May 2019, days after the release of the original Quest VR headset. Compatible with oculus quest 2in theory, it should work with Meta Quest Pro (Project Cambria) and the upcoming Oculus Quest 3. Probably in response to SideQuest last year, Meta launched its own experimental platform called App Lab, which allows Quest users to play experimental games on virtual reality. no side load.
However, as Google’s investment shows, App Lab hasn’t affected SideQuest’s enduring popularity. Announcing a “$12 million Series A investment” in an official blog post, the move sees GV General Partner MG Siegler join SideQuest’s board of directors. Speaking separately to TechCrunch, Ziegler issued a prepared statement:
“We are investing $12 million in SideQuest, the leading VR content aggregator and developer testing platform. I am also happy to serve on the board of directors. We believe the time is right and the team at SideQuest can lead the way in an industry that finally feels ready for prime time. The ultimate goal of the company is to become the main hub and software layer of the broader XR ecosystem.”
While it may seem strange that Google is investing in yet another gaming platform after confirming plans to shut down Stadia, it’s easy to explain. The Meta Quest VR headset runs on the Android operating system, which is commercially sponsored by Google, giving you the versatility you need to be the best VR headset. Also, although GV is owned by Alphabet Inc, the group operates independently.
That said, if you want to access SideQuest but don’t necessarily want to use the Quest 2 headset, you’re in luck. Company co-founder Shane Harris notes that the platform is also compatible with Pico 4 and Pico Neo 3, so it can be upgraded to competitor Meta (via UploadVR). He just keep in mind that if you plan to use SideQuest on these platforms, only the Quake 3 VR mod is currently supported.
Source : PC Gamesn
