The Niantic Studio: Real-World Impact Challenge is here! Running from February 10th to March 31st, this challenge invites developers to create meaningful WebAR experiences that drive social impact, celebrate culture, and explore storytelling through immersive technology. 

What Makes This Challenge Unique?

This competition is designed to push AR beyond entertainment—we want to see how Niantic Studio,  Niantic VPS, and Gaussian splats can be used to educate, inspire, and make a real-world impact.

With VPS, developers can anchor digital content in the real world, creating location-based experiences that connect players to real places and history. Meanwhile, Gaussian splats allow you to capture high-fidelity 3D photos of environments, and let you step into the real-world locations from anywhere.

$11,000 in Prizes

This challenge celebrates technical excellence, creativity, and real-world impact, with 2 grand prizes, 8 award categories and 4 honorable mentions:

• Niantic VPS Grand Prize – $3,000
• Gaussian Splat Grand Prize – $3,000
• Most Creative Design – $500 (x2)
• Most Inspiring Experience – $500 (x2)
• Best Technical Execution – $500 (x2)
• Most Impactful Project – $500 (x2)
• Honorable Mentions – $250 (x4)

Kickstart Your Journey

• Info Session: Mapping with Niantic Studio  – February 13th
• Niantic Studio Workshop: Building with Niantic Maps for Web – February 18th
• Mapping History: Preserving LGBTQ+ Spaces with Niantic Studio – February 25th
• Rebuilding History: Bringing Black Wall Street to Life in WebAR – March TBD

Judging Criteria 

Submissions will be evaluated on: 

• Niantic VPS & Gaussian Splat Use – Does the experience creatively and effectively integrate these technologies?
• Social & Cultural Impact – Does the project raise awareness, educate, or inspire change?
• Gameplay & Innovation – Is the gameplay fresh, engaging, and technically innovative?
• Completeness – Is the experience polished, well-structured, and ready to be played?
  

Start Building for Impact! 

The Niantic Studio: Real-World Impact Challenge is your opportunity to showcase your skills and contribute to a meaningful cause through AR. Whether you're exploring history, culture, education, or social change, we can't wait to see your creativity come to life!