In 2021, Facebook rebranded as Meta, driven by a strong belief in the future of VR technology. Meta envisioned Horizon Worlds as a central platform for future communication. However, it seems the enthusiasm for VR might be waning.
In a recent interview, Samantha Ryan, Meta’s VP of Content at Reality Labs, revealed that the company is now embracing a mobile-first strategy, with Horizon Worlds transitioning to be predominantly mobile-centric.
This strategic shift involves separating Horizon Worlds from the Quest VR platform, focusing on third-party developers and content rather than solely on first-party offerings. Notably, individual Horizon Worlds destinations will be removed from the VR store, and the Worlds section will no longer appear on the Quest home screen.
On the Horizon front, the transition is predominantly towards mobile development. By 2025, the number of mobile-only worlds is projected to rise from zero to 2,000, with monthly user engagement increasing fourfold. To support this shift, Meta is rolling out new tools such as the Meta Horizon Studio and Meta Horizon Engine to enhance and enrich mobile experiences. Additionally, new monetization options, including featured bundles and season passes, are being introduced.
As Meta navigates this transformation, the question remains: Can the company compete with major players like Roblox and Fortnite? Only time will reveal the outcome. Nonetheless, this restructuring is not without its challenges, as Reality Labs recently laid off approximately 10% of its workforce.
Source | Via
