Meta, formerly known as Facebook, is reportedly downsizing its Reality Labs division, responsible for developing VR and metaverse products, by laying off 10% of its staff, as reported by the New York Times. With approximately 15,000 employees in Reality Labs, this move could affect over 1,000 individuals.
CNBC disclosed that Meta intends to close studios like Armature Studio, Twisted Pixel, and Sanzaru, in addition to dismantling Oculus Studios Central Technology, a unit focused on VR content creation. Meta’s CTO and Reality Labs head, Andrew Bosworth, called for a significant in-person meeting on January 14, highlighting the importance of the situation.
It’s specified that the workforce reduction won’t impact teams working on augmented reality projects, as Meta aims to advance its development of AR glasses and controllers. The saved resources from these layoffs are slated to be redirected towards AR innovation.
Meta’s strategic shift towards AI development is evident, with Vishal Shah, the metaverse lead, transitioning to oversee AI products as a vice president. The company has also established Superintelligence Labs and enticed AI talent like Alexandr Wang from Scale AI. Notably, Meta has been actively recruiting top researchers by offering competitive packages to bolster its AI initiatives.
As Meta reorients itself towards the metaverse vision, these workforce adjustments and reallocations of resources underscore the company’s commitment to evolving technologies like VR, AR, and AI.
Source: TechCrunch