Owlchemy Labs

Owlchemy Labs is an American game developer focused on virtual reality and spatial computing entertainment. Founded in 2010 by Alex Schwartz, the studio develops interactive experiences built around natural spatial interactions, physical comedy and accessible design. Its work spans premium games and free-to-play social experiences across consumer immersive hardware.

The company began with mobile and independent PC games, including the physics racer Snuggle Truck, the lumberjack puzzle game Jack Lumber and the comedic survival adventure Dyscourse. As consumer virtual reality emerged in 2014–2015, Owlchemy shifted its development focus to motion-tracked experiences built around players’ heads and hands.

Interactive worlds and accessible play

Released in 2016, Job Simulator: The 2050 Archives established the studio’s approach to playful simulations and hands-on interaction. The game passed one million units sold by 2020 and six million installs by 2026. Owlchemy subsequently developed Rick and Morty: Virtual Rick-ality in collaboration with Adult Swim Games, followed by Vacation Simulator and Cosmonious High.

Accessibility is a recurring part of the studio’s design work. Its games incorporate features such as adjustable player height, one-handed controls and spatial subtitles, while its interaction research explores hand tracking and gesture-based mechanics. These capabilities support experiences that accommodate different physical needs and ways of playing. The studio also works on cross-platform deployment and optimization for immersive hardware, including Meta Quest, PlayStation VR2, Apple Vision Pro, SteamVR and Android XR devices.

Expanding spatial entertainment

Google acquired Owlchemy in May 2017. The studio retained creative independence under that ownership and continued developing software for multiple hardware platforms. Its later work includes Dimensional Double Shift, its first multiplayer, free-to-play social VR experience, and Hyper Visor, developed for Android XR and XREAL Aura eyewear.

Alongside game development and publishing, Owlchemy’s capabilities include spatial interaction prototyping, immersive software engineering and accessibility research. Its portfolio reflects a continuing interest in using physical interaction, humor and approachable systems to shape how people play in virtual and mixed environments.