Executive Summary
Meta is undergoing significant changes, impacting its VR ecosystem and content development. The closure of several key studios and the cessation of new content for Supernatural highlight a troubling trend. As Meta shifts focus towards AI and smart glasses, the future of its VR platforms appears uncertain.
Hardware and Platform Updates
The VR landscape is evolving rapidly, but not all changes are positive. Meta has announced it will no longer provide new content for Supernatural, a popular fitness app, marking it alongside other discontinued projects like Oculus Home and Echo Arena. This decision indicates a broader strategy shift within Meta’s Reality Labs, especially as the company reportedly lays off over 10% of its workforce in this division, as noted by Road to VR.
In contrast to Meta’s struggles, PlayStation VR2 is seeing positive developments. The recent launch of the campaign mode in Smash Drums allows players to dive deeper into the rhythm game, showcasing the platform’s commitment to delivering engaging content. This update highlights the competitive nature of the VR market, with platforms vying for user engagement through innovative game mechanics and campaigns.
Game Development and Studio Closures
Meta’s decision to close three of its first-party studios—Armature Studio, Twisted Pixel, and Sanzaru Games—signals a worrying trend in VR game development. Each studio was responsible for major titles such as Deadpool VR, Asgard’s Wrath, and the Resident Evil 4 port for Quest. With these closures, the future of Meta’s proprietary game offerings seems bleak, as noted by UploadVR.
These studio closures are part of a larger restructuring strategy as Meta appears to be redirecting its resources away from VR and Horizon Worlds. This pivot raises concerns about the long-term viability of the VR content that has been so pivotal to Meta’s strategy in the past.
Market Context and User Engagement
Despite Meta’s challenges, user engagement within the VR space continues to thrive. Games like Gorilla Tag and VRChat have set usage records, with over a million users logging in during a recent weekend. This demonstrates that while Meta may be retracting its investments, other platforms and titles are capturing user interest and fostering community engagement. As highlighted by UploadVR, the ongoing popularity of these games shows the potential for growth outside of Meta’s ecosystem.
The contrasting fortunes of different VR platforms underline the importance of adaptability in this nascent industry. As Meta shifts focus, it opens the door for competitors to fill the void and innovate in ways that resonate with the user base.
Conclusion
Meta’s recent announcements reveal a company in transition, with serious implications for the future of VR content and development.
Your friend in VR, Christopher aka UKRifter
Hashtags: #VR #VirtualReality #XR #MixedReality #PlayStationVR2 #Meta #GameDevelopment #Supernatural #GorillaTag #AI
Sources
- UploadVR – Supernatural Coaches Face Same Fate As Oculus Home & Echo Arena
- UploadVR – Smash Drums Campaign Mode Now Available On PlayStation VR2
- Road to VR – Meta Reportedly Closes Three First-party Studios Behind Some of Its Biggest VR Games
- UploadVR – Meta Closes Twisted Pixel, Armature & Sanzaru Games
- UploadVR – Gorilla Tag & VRChat Set Usage Records In VR Headsets
- Road to VR – Meta Reportedly Laying Off 10 Percent of Reality Labs, Shifting Focus from VR & Horizon Worlds
- UploadVR – Meta Reportedly Laying Off More Than 10% Of Reality Labs
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