Apple Expands Development Options by Integrating visionOS Support into Open-source Game Engine

In an unexpected move, Apple is integrating support for its visionOS platform into the Godot open-source game engine. This development broadens the toolkit available for developers eager to create content for its headset.

Godot, much like the well-known Unity and Unreal engines, offers a suite of development tools designed to facilitate the creation of real-time games and applications. What sets Godot apart is its fully open-source nature, allowing anyone to use it freely and distribute games without charge. Moreover, developers can contribute enhancements and fixes to benefit everyone.

Apple’s decision to add visionOS support directly into Godot signifies a unique step for the tech giant. This integration empowers developers to craft and share Vision Pro content using the engine.

Apple’s software engineer, Ricardo Sanchez-Saez, recently revealed the company’s intentions to introduce visionOS support to Godot as an open-source contribution. He explained that this feature would roll out in two phases. The first will enable Godot-built games to operate in flat windows on visionOS, while the second phase will focus on allowing the creation of fully immersive visionOS applications with the engine.

Due to the open-source nature of the project, it will take time for Apple’s contributions to be incorporated into Godot’s production version, and there isn’t a fixed timeline for the project’s completion.

Once integrated, Godot will stand alongside Unity, Unreal Engine, and Apple’s own development tools such as X-code and Reality Composer Pro, providing another avenue for developers working on Vision Pro applications.

Additionally, Godot can be utilized to develop apps for major VR platforms like Quest and PC VR, further underscoring its versatility.