Specs Racer

October 2025

A collaboration with Snapchat: an arcade-style racing game for their AR glasses (the Spectacles).

Specs Racer UnitedXR AWE
Specs Racer UnitedXR AWE

This project was exhibited at UnitedXR/AWE and Lens Fest!

Snap did the physical build, and I teamed up with Nina Lijzenga to develop a multiplayer racing game using the steering wheel and pedals.

We created an interface for an iPad, making it easy to control the race on-site.

Specs Racer Gameplay

We also made a display for bystanders on a separate monitor, with camera fly-bys and lap times

The experience was built with Lens Studio. It connects to our Python server, handling hardware inputs and multiplayer connectivity.

The game is more VR than it is AR, but it demonstrates the technical capabilities of the Spectacles really well. Interestingly, the transparency of AR glasses seems to help with motion sickness.

We used unique Image Markers on the steering wheels to align the user to their physical car, and to get the player ID.

Lens Fest Specs Racer    Specs Racer Steering Wheel

Testing the steering wheel and pedal inputs in Lens Studio