Meta has officially announced the expansion of Horizon Worlds, their collaborative virtual reality platform, beyond just VR headsets. After over a year and a half of development, Meta revealed in a blog post on September 14 that Horizon Worlds will be accessible on mobile devices and web through early access.
Initially, only a select group of individuals will be able to access the multiplayer shooter game Super Rumble via the Meta Quest app on Android and a web browser, with iOS support expected in the near future. Meta emphasizes the importance of providing multiple entry points into the metaverse, acknowledging the current lack of compelling content within the concept.
While it remains uncertain how users can gain early access, Meta plans to gradually expand the availability of their flagship virtual application as they receive feedback and enhance the user experience. This announcement comes shortly after Meta introduced a new initiative for educators in the US, aiming to encourage students to explore the potential of the metaverse. Partnering with 15 universities, including Stanford University and Arizona State University, Meta is actively promoting immersive learning experiences.
Despite facing criticism in 2022 for quality issues and a subpar user environment, Meta’s Horizon Worlds offers users the opportunity to create and engage with other players in a virtual world reminiscent of popular games like Minecraft and Roblox. The company’s significant investment in Horizon Worlds, totaling over $7.5 billion, demonstrates their commitment to making the project a success.
As Meta continues to push forward with their metaverse ambitions, the company remains dedicated to the vision despite facing a $3.7 billion loss in the second quarter.