Google Kills Another VR App, But The Open Source Community Is Reviving It
It’s a story as old as Google itself: the company releases an innovative, interesting product, only to unceremoniously abandon it a few years later, leaving its users in the lurch. We’ve seen it time and time again, and the digital graveyard at killedbygoogle.com is a testament to this frustrating cycle. The latest addition to this spectral list was Google Blocks, a simple yet powerful 3D modeling app for virtual reality.
But this time, there’s a twist.
A Community to the Rescue
The Icosa Foundation, a community of artists and developers dedicated to preserving creative tools, has managed to do what many thought was impossible: they convinced Google to open-source the code for Blocks. The foundation now plans to revive the application under the new name “Open Blocks,” bringing it to modern VR platforms like the Meta Quest 3.
What Was Google Blocks?
For those who never had the chance to try it, Google Blocks was a breath of fresh air in the often-complex world of 3D modeling. It provided just six simple tools—Shape, Stroke, Paint, Modify, Grab, and Erase—that allowed users to intuitively create complex 3D models from within a VR environment. It was accessible, fun, and had the potential to be a fantastic entry point for aspiring creators who didn’t want to tackle the steep learning curve of software like Blender.
A Win for Open Source
Icosa is no stranger to picking up Google’s dropped projects. They have also created open-source replacements for other abandoned Google creative tools like Google Poly and Tilt Brush. Their persistence is a testament to the power of a dedicated community. After being told “no” when Blocks was first abandoned, they tried again recently and succeeded.
This small victory feels particularly significant right now. The AR and VR industries are on the cusp of what many predict will be exponential growth, driven largely by non-gaming applications. Tools like Open Blocks are exactly what the ecosystem needs to empower a new generation of creators.
While it’s easy to be cynical about Google’s “launch and abandon” strategy, this story is a powerful reminder that when a community cares enough, even digital ghosts can get a second chance at life. I, for one, am excited to see what the Icosa Foundation does with Open Blocks. It’s a win for open source, a win for creativity, and a small but important pushback against the whims of tech giants.
