Meta is making a significant strategic shift for its virtual reality platform, Horizon Worlds. The company announced it will transition the platform to a mobile-only destination, effectively moving away from its VR-first origins.
Samantha Ryan, VP of Content at Meta's Reality Labs, stated the company is separating its VR hardware from its Worlds platform to foster growth in both areas. This move allows Meta to concentrate development efforts on VR hardware while focusing Horizon Worlds on its expansive mobile user base. Despite this pivot, Meta remains committed to its VR hardware roadmap, though first-party software development is being curtailed. The company recently shuttered its AAA VR game studios and reduced its Reality Labs workforce.
This transition aims to leverage Meta's vast audience on platforms like Instagram and Facebook to compete with established social gaming platforms. Horizon mobile users saw a four-fold increase in 2025, positioning the company to deliver synchronous social games at scale.