Meta, formerly known for its virtual reality (VR) efforts, is pivoting its Horizon Worlds metaverse platform towards mobile devices. This shift aims to broaden the user base and compete with platforms like Roblox and Fortnite. The decision comes after Meta’s restructuring, including layoffs in the Reality Labs division and the discontinuation of VR-related projects. The focus on mobile over VR aligns with Meta’s strategy to reach a larger audience and leverage its social network connections for synchronous social gaming experiences.
Meta’s Chief Product Officer, Ryan, emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting third-party developers for VR software, acknowledging that most user engagement in VR headsets comes from third-party apps. Despite the mobile focus, Meta remains dedicated to developing new VR hardware tailored to different market segments, hinting at a potential new Quest headset release at a higher price point.
In a recent podcast, Meta’s CTO, Bosworth, discussed the strategic shift towards mobile and third-party developer support. CEO Mark Zuckerberg also suggested that AI-generated games could play a significant role in Meta’s ecosystem, integrating immersive 3D experiences like Horizon Worlds into users’ feeds.
Source: The Verge