Meta has decided to keep its Horizon Worlds VR app operational, reversing an earlier plan to discontinue it on June 15th. The reversal came after backlash from users, including those who rely on the platform for community-based VR experiences, such as addiction support groups. Meta’s CTO, Andrew Bosworth, announced the change of plans following an “Ask Me Anything” session, stating that existing VR apps within Horizon Worlds will remain accessible for the “foreseeable future.”
The Shift to Mobile
While Horizon Worlds will continue to function in VR for existing users, Meta remains focused on developing the platform as a mobile app. This strategic shift is driven by the fact that the majority of both creators and consumers are already engaged with mobile metaverse experiences. Meta is now prioritizing its Meta Horizon Engine, designed for mobile platforms, to compete directly with apps like Roblox.
Why This Matters
This decision is significant because it acknowledges the dedicated community that has formed within Horizon Worlds VR. Shutting down the VR version would have eliminated spaces for niche, yet valuable, user groups. However, the move doesn’t signal a renewed commitment to VR overall; instead, it’s a pragmatic adjustment to retain existing users while doubling down on mobile.
The Bigger Picture: Meta’s Retreat from VR
The reversal of Horizon Worlds’ sunsetting is just one piece of a larger trend. Meta has been steadily scaling back its VR investments throughout the year, including the shutdown of its Supernatural fitness app and the closure of several acquired game studios. The company is also restricting features in its Hyperscape Capture app, removing the ability to share scans between headsets.
Uncertain Future
Despite keeping Horizon Worlds VR alive for now, the long-term outlook remains unclear. Meta’s primary focus is on mobile, and the company has not committed to supporting VR in future hardware iterations.
The question remains whether Meta will eventually abandon VR altogether. The current strategy suggests that VR is on “borrowed time,” with the company prioritizing mobile metaverse development while maintaining a minimal presence in the VR space. For now, existing VR users can continue using Horizon Worlds, but the future of the platform remains uncertain.
