Snapchat Upgrades Lens Studio with New Bitmoji and Gaming Features
Snapchat has rolled out new tools for its Lens Studio AR creation platform, empowering developers to build more engaging and immersive experiences. The updates focus on enhanced Bitmoji customization and improved game development capabilities.
Bitmoji Suite Opens New Creative Avenues
The new "Bitmoji Suite" within Lens Studio allows developers to create custom Bitmoji experiences. This includes designing unique outfits, animating Bitmoji characters, and generating Bitmoji-styled props. These tools integrate seamlessly with existing game components, opening doors for interactive Bitmoji game lenses.
With over 2.7 billion Bitmoji characters already created, these enhancements aim to further solidify Bitmoji's role within the Snapchat ecosystem. This move also positions Bitmoji for potential future use cases, such as metaverse interaction.
Enhanced Game Development Tools
Snapchat is also boosting its game development tools within Lens Studio. New features include turn-based controls, updated character control options, and improvements to the "Leaderboard" back-end. Developers now have access to templates for start and end screens, along with additional friend metrics.
Bitmojiverse Challenge Sparks Developer Creativity
To encourage adoption of these new tools, Snapchat is launching the "Bitmojiverse Challenge". Starting June 3rd, developers can compete for cash prizes by creating innovative experiences using the Bitmoji Suite and game assets. This follows the success of Snapchat's monthly Challenge Tags, which have seen widespread participation from developers worldwide.
Developers can also earn rewards through the Lens Creator Rewards program by creating high-performing lenses.
Lens Studio has been instrumental in Snapchat'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.
These updates strengthen Snapchat's position in the AR space as it prepares for the future of AR wearables and continues to build its engagement capacity.
