What is StereoKit?

StereoKit is a code-first, open-source library for building mixed reality (MR) experiences using C# and OpenXR. It addresses some of the most common and challenging aspects of MR development including UI, inputs, interactions, physics, shaders/material systems, working with text, asset loading, and much more. MR projects can be viewed on HoloLens 2, desktop, or any VR device that uses the OpenXR runtime (e.g. Oculus Quest, Windows Mixed Reality, etc.).

Why should I try StereoKit?

Inspired by high level graphical frameworks like XNA and Processing, StereoKit aims to make it fun and easy to create professional mixed reality software. It is purpose-built for MR and focuses on getting you productive with the least amount of code possible using simple APIs. In fact, you can do most tasks with a single line of code, including UI.

Who should join the hackathon and why?

If you are familiar with C# and Visual Studio and want to build a mixed reality experience without learning a complex game development engine, this is a great place to experiment with others and get help from experts.

If you are experienced in building MR applications, the hackathon will familiarize you with StereoKit, giving you a new tool for ultra-fast, cross-platform iteration.

With 3D assets and StereoKit’s APIs, you can create a fully functioning mixed reality experience as an individual participant. Joining a team to extend your collective coding and creative skills is also encouraged (max 5 people per team). Attend our kickoff networking event to locate potential teammates or the built-in tools in Devpost.

We seek to create a respectful, friendly, fun, and inclusive experience for Mixed Reality Challenge participants. All are welcome! Please read our Code of Conduct for more information.

What do I need to participate?

Prior experience with C# and Visual Studio or VS Code will be highly useful.

You can develop using StereoKit and OpenXR on a HoloLens 2, Windows Mixed Reality immersive VR headset, or any other OpenXR head mounted display (HMD) like Oculus. If you don't have access to an HMD, you can use StereoKit’s own simulation fallback, the HoloLens 2 Emulator, or the Windows Mixed Reality Simulator for this Challenge.

How is Microsoft involved?

Microsoft believes that the future of mixed reality is #Open, and we are committed to bringing that future to the present.  One example of this is our support and participation in the creation of OpenXR, a royalty-free API standard led by the Khronos group. StereoKit is a pre-1.0 open-source collaboration between Microsoft employees and the community. It is completely based on OpenXR and aims to make mixed reality more accessible to every developer.

In hosting this challenge, Microsoft hopes to:

1. Get feedback on existing features and learn what functionality would be most helpful in the future.
2. Understand StereoKit’s usefulness to the developer community and assess the community’s interest. 
3. Introduce more people to mixed reality development. We can’t wait until MR is everywhere and we hope when you try it you you’ll get as excited as we are.

What if I’m still not sure?

Please be our guest at the no-commitment Networking and Kickoff Event in AltSpaceVR. Talk to StereoKit contributors and MR experts. Look for teammates or just enjoy a chance to connect with others interested in mixed reality. You can join via VR or from your PC. 

I’m in! Where do I start?

You’ll find detailed documentation and the download at https://stereokit.net/ along with the Getting Started Guide. You can also try this on demand video series.

Make sure to check out the project and submission requirements in the Rules section before you get started. 

Design is a nuanced and highly important part of building a mixed reality experience. If you are new to MR, you may want to explore design concepts before getting started.  

How do I get help if I need it?

If you have a request or question and can’t find what you are looking for in documentation, try these resources:

• Bug or feature request? Please post in GitHub Issues.
• How do I….? Post your ask in GitHub Discussions.

If you’d like to talk to a human live, Join one of our AMAs or Office Hours events to connect with experts:

Thank you!

We appreciate you taking the time to try StereoKit. We look forward to learning from you and can’t wait to see what you create!

$6,000 in prizes

• Quality of Idea (25%)
  Indicates creativity and originality.
• Implementation of Idea (50%)
  Assesses how well the idea was executed; including the user experience and the incorporation of mixed reality concepts using StereoKit.
• Potential Impact (25%)
  Demonstrates ability to be widely useful or entertaining/engaging.