Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has reversed its decision to shut down Horizon Worlds, its virtual reality (VR) platform. The company’s Chief Technology Officer, Andrew Bosworth, announced that Horizon Worlds will continue to be available in VR for existing games, with limited support.
This decision comes a day after Meta revealed plans to close the metaverse platform. In response to fan concerns, Bosworth stated, “We have decided, just today in fact, that we will keep Horizon Worlds working in VR for existing games, to support the fans who reached out.” Meta had initially informed users of the impending shutdown in an email, citing a shift in investments away from the metaverse and VR initiatives.
While the reversal may come as a surprise, Meta’s focus seems to be shifting towards mobile platforms, as indicated by the decision to maintain the service on mobile devices. The company has clarified that no new games or major investments will be made in Horizon Worlds, aligning with a previous move regarding its Supernatural fitness service.
Despite the halt on new content creation for Horizon Worlds, existing user-created worlds will still be accessible. Additionally, Meta hinted at upcoming virtual concerts on the platform, emphasizing the availability of immersive 3D and 2D concerts on Quest via the TV app.
As Meta navigates these changes, the tech community awaits further developments to understand the long-term implications of this strategic shift in focus.
Source: WIRED