8th Wall
PaidWeb-based AR development platform by Niantic enabling augmented reality experiences that run directly in mobile browsers without app downloads.
What does this tool do?
8th Wall is a web-based AR development platform by Niantic that allows developers to create augmented reality experiences that run directly in mobile browsers without requiring app downloads. The platform provides a drag-and-drop interface with GenAI asset creation capabilities, enabling rapid prototyping and deployment of 3D and XR content. It combines a game engine with computer vision technology to power AR interactions, and supports deployment across web browsers, native apps, mobile devices, desktops, and AR headsets. However, the platform is shutting down on February 28, 2026, making this a critical transition period for existing users who need to export their projects.
AI analysis from Feb 23, 2026
Key Features
- Drag-and-drop visual development interface for rapid AR experience creation
- GenAI-powered asset generation to automatically create 3D models and visual content
- Built-in game engine and computer vision stack for robust AR interactions
- Live testing capabilities to preview experiences in real-time during development
- Multi-platform deployment supporting web browsers, native apps, mobile, desktop, and AR headsets
- Project export functionality to preserve code and migrate away from the platform
Use Cases
- 1Creating marketing AR experiences for brands (e.g., McDonald's, Burberry) that users can access via QR codes or links without app installation
- 2Building interactive 3D games that run in mobile browsers with AR capabilities for casual gaming
- 3Developing educational AR experiences for institutions like MIT Reality Hacks to teach AR/XR development
- 4Prototyping AR concepts quickly for testing and validation before committing to native app development
- 5Publishing lightweight AR demos and interactive experiences to a broad audience without distribution barriers
- 6Creating AR try-on experiences for fashion and retail without requiring dedicated mobile applications
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- No app download requirement eliminates friction—users can access AR experiences directly from browsers via links or QR codes, dramatically lowering barriers to engagement
- Drag-and-drop interface with GenAI asset creation significantly reduces development time, enabling rapid prototyping from concept to deployment in minutes
- Strong industry adoption from major brands (McDonald's, Xbox, Netflix, Microsoft) demonstrates production-ready reliability and real-world viability
Limitations
- Platform is shutting down February 28, 2026—a critical limitation that makes this tool unsuitable for new long-term projects unless users plan immediate export and migration
- Pricing details are not publicly available on the website, making it impossible to assess cost-effectiveness or budget planning
- Browser-based AR has inherent performance and capability limitations compared to native app development, potentially affecting complex or resource-intensive experiences
Pricing Details
Pricing details not publicly available. The website does not display pricing information, though it emphasizes that the platform is shutting down February 28, 2026, with existing users urged to export their projects.
Who is this for?
Web developers and AR/XR designers looking to rapidly prototype and deploy browser-based AR experiences; brands and marketers seeking to create interactive AR campaigns without app distribution overhead; educators and institutions teaching AR/XR development; indie game developers creating lightweight 3D/AR games. However, the platform's shutdown significantly limits suitability for new users planning long-term development.