Meta Pivots Horizon Worlds: A Sign of Shifting Realities in the Metaverse?
Meta is dramatically reshaping its metaverse strategy, announcing a near-complete shift in focus for Horizon Worlds from virtual reality to mobile platforms. This move, detailed in a recent blog post by Reality Labs VP of Content Samantha Ryan, signals a significant recalibration after years of investment in VR-first social experiences.
The Retreat from VR: Why Now?
The decision isn’t a complete abandonment of VR, but a strategic prioritization. Meta will continue to support third-party VR developers and promises a “robust roadmap of future VR headsets,” though specifics remain undisclosed. However, the company is clearly acknowledging that the initial vision of a VR-dominated metaverse isn’t materializing as quickly as anticipated.
Data underscores this shift. According to Ryan, 86% of the time users spend in VR headsets is dedicated to third-party applications, not Meta’s first-party experiences like Horizon Worlds. This suggests a stronger demand for gaming and utility applications over social VR platforms.
Mobile-First Metaverse: Tapping into a Larger Market
The move to “almost exclusively mobile” is driven by the desire to reach a wider audience. Ryan stated the company aims to “tap into a much larger market” by focusing on mobile development. Experimentation with a mobile version of Horizon Worlds last year showed “positive momentum,” prompting this full-scale shift.
This isn’t entirely unexpected. Mobile platforms offer significantly broader accessibility than VR headsets, which remain relatively expensive and require dedicated hardware. A mobile-first approach allows Meta to leverage the existing smartphone user base, potentially reaching billions of users.
Financial Realities and Restructuring
The strategic shift comes amidst significant financial challenges for Meta’s Reality Labs division. In 2025, the division generated $2.2 billion in revenue but reported a substantial $19.2 billion loss. Recent cost-cutting measures, including a 10% layoff within Reality Labs and the closure of three VR studios – Twisted Pixel Games, Sanzaru Games, and Armature Studio – further highlight the need for a more sustainable approach.
What Does This Mean for the Future of the Metaverse?
Meta’s pivot suggests the metaverse isn’t a single, unified destination, but rather a collection of interconnected experiences accessible across various platforms. The focus is shifting from creating a fully immersive VR world to integrating metaverse elements – social interaction, digital ownership, and virtual experiences – into existing platforms like mobile phones.
This could accelerate the development of augmented reality (AR) applications, which blend digital content with the real world. While Meta is currently prioritizing mobile, AR remains a key long-term focus for the company.
The Developer Ecosystem: A Continued Commitment
Despite the changes, Meta emphasizes its continued commitment to the VR developer ecosystem. The company plans to support developers through “strategic partnerships and targeted investments,” recognizing their crucial role in driving innovation and creating compelling VR experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Meta abandoning VR altogether?
A: No, Meta is continuing to invest in VR hardware and support third-party developers, but shifting the primary focus of Horizon Worlds to mobile.
Q: Why is Meta focusing on mobile?
A: Mobile platforms offer a much larger potential audience and greater accessibility compared to VR headsets.
Q: What happened to the VR studios Meta closed?
A: Meta closed Twisted Pixel Games, Sanzaru Games, and Armature Studio as part of cost-cutting measures.
Q: What does this mean for the future of Horizon Worlds?
A: Horizon Worlds will become primarily a mobile experience, aiming to reach a broader audience.
Did you know? Meta’s Reality Labs division experienced a $19.2 billion loss in 2025, highlighting the financial challenges of building the metaverse.
Pro Tip: Maintain an eye on developments in augmented reality (AR) as Meta continues to explore ways to blend digital and physical worlds.
Want to learn more about the evolving metaverse landscape? Explore our other articles on virtual and augmented reality.
