In its attempt to push forward on virtual reality, Google acquires Owlchemy Labs.
Owlchemy Labs is an indie VR studio based in Austin, Texas, and is a team that consists of 23 people. "We're very excited to continue to do that with the support of Google behind us," said Owlchemy co-founder Alex Schwartz.
Owlchemy was one of the first studios to work with the initial Oculus Rift development kit in 2013, and Job Simulator was a launch title for the PlayStation VR, HTC Vive, and Oculus Touch motion controllers. VR gaming was still small at the time, but Owlchemy succeeded fairly well.
It has made a name for itself by launching numerous VR games that include Job Simulator ($3 million in sales at the start of 2017), Caaaaardboard!, Rick and Morty: Virtual Rick-ality and the Snuggle Truck (formerly Smuggle truck before being renamed and had its premise changed due to its controversial nature).
Owlchemy is known for VR games that closely mimic using real hands. This is the company's key factor, something that stands in contrast to Google's VR platform, Daydream, at the time of Owlchemy's acquisition.
By acquiring Owlchemy, Google wants to propel itself to create something beyond its Daydream.
Schwartz and Google VR and AR engineering director Relja Markovic, said that Owlchemy will keep engaging with the larger VR development community, sharing knowledge and best practices - as well as potentially contributing to Google's experimental Daydream Labs program.
In its blog post, Google said that the acquired company will "create engaging, immersive games and developing new interaction models across many different platforms to continue bringing the best VR experiences to life."
