‘Realworld’ Aims to Bring a Multiplayer ‘Google Earth VR’ Alternative to Quest & More

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Google Earth VR, which is available today on PC VR, is a breathtaking way to explore our fascinating planet. But one major missing feature is the ability to do so with friends. With Google unfortunately abandoning many of its VR initiatives, it’s unlikely that we’ll see a version of Google Earth VR with multiplayer, let alone Quest support. Luckily, Realworld aims to deliver a multi-user immersive map application to Quest, PC VR, and AR devices.

Cubic VR founder Haldun Kececigil today revealed a new in-development app called Realworld which allows users to immersively explore the world by leveraging data from Bing Maps. A video shows the app running on Oculus Quest with hand-tracking:

The video also shows the app’s multiplayer-first focus, including the ability to annotate the map, import 3D models, access street view photography, and more.

The studio behind the app says it’s building Realworld with Quest as the “primary platform,” but support for PC VR, mobile AR, and head-worn AR is also in the works.

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Realworld developer Haldun Kececigil tells Road to VR that the app aims to support cross-platform multiplayer, even between VR and AR devices. While the app is still in early development, Kececigil expects it will be a useful tool for architects, planners, and developers, beyond those who just want to explore the globe together.

Interested users can visit the Realworld site to sign their interest in beta testing the app, and to stay informed of its eventual launch.

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Ben is the world's most senior professional analyst solely dedicated to the XR industry, having founded Road to VR in 2011—a year before the Oculus Kickstarter sparked a resurgence that led to the modern XR landscape. He has authored more than 3,000 articles chronicling the evolution of the XR industry over more than a decade. With that unique perspective, Ben has been consistently recognized as one of the most influential voices in XR, giving keynotes and joining panel and podcast discussions at key industry events. He is a self-described "journalist and analyst, not evangelist."