Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is on the verge of introducing a mobile version of its Horizon Worlds metaverse social platform. This move is aimed at extending Meta’s influence beyond its current user base of Quest VR device owners. While an official release date has not yet been announced, Meta has made substantial progress in creating a mobile-native experience for its users.
Vishal Shah, the Vice President of Meta’s metaverse division, revealed that a functioning version of the mobile app was designed last year. However, it was decided to hold off on its release as it resembled a VR game rather than a true mobile-native experience. Although Shah did not provide a specific timeline for the app’s debut, Meta had previously mentioned that it would be available “soon,” causing eager anticipation among enthusiasts. Unfortunately, no updates regarding the release have been provided as of yet.
Shah also disclosed that Super Rumble, a recently launched shooter game within Horizon Worlds, will become one of the first games to undergo beta testing on the forthcoming mobile platform. This game stands out due to its stunning visuals, made possible by the integration of imported objects, assets, and textures. Developers who are handpicked by Meta will initially have access to this asset-importing capability, which will gradually become available to a larger audience.
While Horizon Worlds has yet to gain significant traction, Meta’s Threads app has already surpassed 100 million users since its recent launch. It’s important to note that comparing these figures may not be entirely fair, as Threads is a free smartphone app, while Horizon Worlds presently requires a Quest VR headset. Nevertheless, the introduction of a mobile version of Horizon Worlds will likely allow Meta to compete more effectively with popular platforms such as Fortnite and Roblox, which offer similar social gaming and creativity experiences.
Meta and Roblox: Exploring New Frontiers
Curiously, while Meta is venturing into the mobile market, Roblox is making its foray into virtual reality. Roblox recently launched an open beta version for Quest headsets, showcasing their aspirations to tap into the VR market. This signifies that both Meta and Roblox are exploring opportunities to expand their platforms beyond their traditional user bases.
The Road Ahead
Meta’s mobile release of Horizon Worlds has the potential to unlock new possibilities and bolster its competitiveness against other social gaming platforms. However, the absence of a specified release timeline makes it challenging to predict when users can expect to gain access to the mobile app. Nonetheless, this development underscores the ongoing evolution of the metaverse and the mounting rivalry within the virtual world domain. As users eagerly await the mobile version’s launch, the outcome of Meta’s venture remains to be seen.
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