Snapchat has teamed up with Xbox for a collaboration that literally shoots for the stars.
To celebrate the launch of The Outer Worlds 2, the two brands unveiled the first-ever Snapchat AR Lens that scans the moon and turns it into a character straight out of the game.
The Lens uses a mix of celestial tracking and your phone’s compass to detect the moon in any sky—regardless of weather or lighting. Once locked in, it transforms the lunar surface into the game’s mischievous mascot, Moon Man, who winks, smirks, and brings his irreverent energy to the night sky. Users can also flip the camera to see themselves transformed into Moon Man, blending real-world stargazing with the game’s intergalactic humor.
The activation doesn’t stop with the Lens. Xbox and Snapchat designed a one-of-a-kind telescope modeled after in-game items from Auntie’s Choice and powered by Snapchat AR technology. Pointing the telescope at the moon brings the character to life in a larger-than-life format, merging digital tech with physical design.
Aaron Greenberg, Microsoft’s Vice President of Games Marketing, emphasized the innovation behind the collaboration. “At Xbox, we’re always looking for bold, imaginative ways to bring our worlds to life, and this partnership with Snapchat does exactly that,” he said. “Turning the actual moon into a portal to our universe is not only a technical first, it’s a playful invitation for fans to experience the game in a whole new way.”
Dave Egan, Senior Director of Snap’s Apps Business Group for North America, echoed the sentiment, noting that the idea fits well with both the platform and the franchise.
“Together with Xbox, we’re creating our first-ever AR experience that scans the moon—an innovation that feels right at home in the quirky world of The Outer Worlds 2,” he explained. “This Lens turns the night sky into a playground for fans to explore the game’s landscapes, humor, and unforgettable characters in ways only Snapchat can deliver.”