Godot launches GABE companion app, enabling direct Android and XR build exports on device

Godot has launched GABE, the Godot Android Build Environment, which enables Gradle-based export capabilities directly from Android and XR devices. Through this companion app, developers can perform exports in the background whenever needed, without requiring a desktop computer for the process.

GABE simplifies project setup by automatically downloading and managing build dependencies after initial project access. This automation means subsequent exports will run in the background, streamlining the workflow for mobile and XR development. Notably, users can now generate Android App Bundles (AAB) directly from their Android or XR devices, making it possible to develop, export, and publish games for stores like Google Play and Horizon Store entirely on device.

Projects that rely on external plugins such as Google Play Billing or AdMob can also be built and exported without moving to a PC. The update further allows developers working on extended reality projects to build and deploy apps directly from within XR headsets. Godot Editor itself is now officially supported on Meta Quest and Android XR, with an experimental build for PicoOS available.

With this release, Godot eliminates the previous limitation of not being able to create Android binaries on device, providing export customization capabilities on mobile and XR platforms comparable to those on desktop.