Snapchat’s adding some new tools to its Lens Studio creation platform, including Bitmoji cutomization options, game assets, and more.
First off, on Bitmoji. Snap’s new “Bitmoji Suite” within Lens Studio will enable developers to build custom Bitmoji experiences, including outfit creation, unique character animation, and more.
As per Snap:
“Following the release of the Friends API and Bitmoji components in Lens Studio. Creators can now design custom outfits for Bitmoji, generate Bitmoji-stylized props, and animate Bitmoji using our library. This suite integrates seamlessly with Games components found in the Asset Library for creating engaging Bitmoji Game Lenses.”
Bitmoji remain a significant element of the Snap experience, with users able to display their Bitmoji depictions in various elements of the app. Over 2.7 billion Bitmoji characters have been created, and Snap continues to add more customization and integration elements, including brand-name fashion updates to refine your character style.
These new additions for Lens Studio will provide even more Bitmoji experiences, and could continue to keep the option relevant, ahead of the next potential use case for Bitmoji, in metaverse interaction.
Snap’s also adding new game creation elements, including turn-based controls, updated character control options, and updates to its “Leaderboard” back-end.
That’ll make it easier for developers to build their own custom game experiences in the app, while it’s also adding new templates for start and end screens, and more friend metrics.
Finally, Snap’s also launching a new developer competition, which will reward creators for building new experiences via Lens Studio:
“Starting on June 3rd, developers can register for a chance to win cash prizes for using Bitmoji Suite and Games assets with our Bitmojiverse Challenge. Since launching monthly Challenge Tags earlier this year, hundreds of developers all over the world have participated to showcase their creativity and talent. And, Lens Creators can earn monetary rewards through our Lens Creator Rewards program by creating eligible, high-performing Lenses for Snapchat.”
Lens Studio has been a major element of Snap’s AR success, with over 375,000 creators and developers now using the platform to build and publish Lenses across Snapchat, mobile and web apps.
And also, for Snap Spectacles. Snap’s AR glasses are still in development, with a view to a commercial launch in the next few years, and Snap’s hoping to be able to challenge Meta and Apple in the AR wearables space with its unique, engaging AR experiences.
Though it remains to be seen whether Snap will truly be able to compete on this front, with Meta’s AR device, in particular, looking to be far more advanced, and potentially cheaper, based on its massive scale and resources.
But again, Snap has long been the leader in AR development purely based on creative nous and audience understanding, and it’ll be hoping that it can carry that over to the next stage, when AR takes the massive leap into mainstream consumption.
Bitmoji and in-app games are a lesser element in this respect, but they build on Snap’s evolving engagement capacity.