Meta Keeps Horizon Worlds Alive in VR—But Mobile is the Focus | Ars Technica

Meta has reversed course on its plan to discontinue support for Horizon Worlds in virtual reality, a move announced just one day after the company initially stated it would be shutting down the VR version of the platform. The decision, communicated by Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth via an Instagram story, comes after a wave of disappointment from users who voiced their concerns about losing access to the VR experience. This unexpected shift highlights the ongoing challenges Meta faces as it navigates the evolving landscape of the metaverse and virtual reality.

Horizon Worlds, originally envisioned as a foundational element of Mark Zuckerberg’s metaverse ambitions, allows users to create and explore virtual worlds. While the company will maintain the VR functionality “for the foreseeable future,” the focus is shifting. Bosworth clarified that only existing VR-supported games and experiences will remain available, and no new games will be added to the VR social network. Future development will prioritize the mobile version of Horizon Worlds, reflecting a broader strategic realignment within Meta’s Reality Labs division. Ars Technica details the rapid reversal and the user feedback that prompted it.

The Shifting Sands of the Metaverse

The initial announcement to end VR support for Horizon Worlds was part of a larger trend within Meta, signaling a significant scaling back of investment in the metaverse. In February, the company announced a “shifting the focus of Worlds to be almost exclusively mobile.” This followed a January layoff of 1,000 employees within its Reality Labs division, the unit responsible for VR and AR development. These layoffs primarily impacted teams working on first-party software and content for the Quest VR headsets. The move reflects a reassessment of priorities, with Meta increasingly emphasizing mobile platforms and third-party developer support. CNBC reported on the initial shutdown announcement and the subsequent reversal.

The decision to initially sunset the VR version of Horizon Worlds was driven, in part, by the platform’s limited traction and the substantial financial investment required to maintain it. Meta has reportedly spent tens of billions of dollars on its metaverse initiatives, with limited returns to date. The company’s financial reports have consistently shown significant losses within the Reality Labs division, prompting scrutiny from investors and analysts. The shift towards mobile is seen as a more cost-effective and potentially more lucrative strategy, leveraging the existing user base and infrastructure of Meta’s social media platforms.

How Horizon Worlds Works: A Virtual Social Space

Horizon Worlds functions as a social VR platform where users, represented by avatars, can interact with each other and explore user-created environments. The platform utilizes a combination of 3D modeling, scripting, and social networking features to create immersive experiences. Users can build their own worlds using in-platform tools, participate in games and events, and connect with friends and communities. The platform originally supported both native VR development and integration with the Unity game engine, allowing developers to create more complex and sophisticated experiences. However, Meta has indicated that worlds developed with the Horizon Unity game engine will remain exclusively available in VR, while new development will be focused on the mobile platform.

The platform’s technical foundation relies on the Meta Quest line of VR headsets, which provide the hardware and software necessary for immersive experiences. The headsets utilize inside-out tracking, eliminating the need for external sensors, and offer high-resolution displays and spatial audio to enhance the sense of presence. Horizon Worlds also integrates with Meta’s social graph, allowing users to connect with their Facebook and Instagram friends within the virtual environment. The mobile version of Horizon Worlds offers a similar social experience, but without the immersive 3D environment of the VR platform.

Impact on Users and the VR Ecosystem

The initial announcement of the VR shutdown sparked immediate backlash from the Horizon Worlds community, with many users expressing their disappointment and frustration. The platform has cultivated a dedicated following of creators and enthusiasts who have invested significant time and effort into building and exploring virtual worlds. The reversal of the decision provides a reprieve for these users, allowing them to continue enjoying the VR experience. However, the limited future development for VR raises concerns about the long-term viability of the platform. Wired highlights the user response and the limited support going forward.

The broader VR ecosystem is also affected by Meta’s decisions. The company is a major player in the VR hardware and software market, and its actions have a significant impact on the industry as a whole. The shift away from first-party VR development could discourage other companies from investing in the platform, potentially hindering innovation and growth. However, Meta’s continued support for third-party developers could help to sustain the VR ecosystem and foster new opportunities.

What Comes Next: Mobile Focus and Limited VR Investment

Looking ahead, Meta’s strategy for Horizon Worlds appears to be centered on the mobile platform. The company plans to continue developing new features and experiences for the mobile version of the platform, leveraging its large user base and existing infrastructure. Bosworth indicated that immersive 3D and 2D concerts will remain accessible on Quest via the TV app, with new concerts planned as part of the larger content slate. However, the company has made it clear that there will be no new games or major investments in the VR version of Horizon Worlds.

The future of Meta’s metaverse ambitions remains uncertain. While the company is scaling back its investment in VR, it continues to explore other technologies, such as augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI). Meta is reportedly investing heavily in AR glasses and related technologies, which it believes have the potential to transform the way people interact with the digital world. The company’s long-term vision for the metaverse may evolve over time, but its commitment to creating immersive and social experiences remains steadfast.