Meta is set to discontinue Horizon Worlds, its virtual reality platform for Quest headsets. The app will be removed from the Quest store by March 31 and will be completely shut down by June 15, transitioning to a mobile-only experience. Users will still have access to the app in a “maintenance mode,” allowing them to play previously downloaded games for an unspecified period.
This development is particularly relevant for current and potential Meta Quest headset owners. If you’re considering investing in a VR system, this move could impact your experience significantly. The promise of an immersive metaverse, where you could interact and work in virtual spaces, is now faced with serious limitations. Users who were looking forward to the evolving landscape of Horizon Worlds may need to reconsider their purchase or interest in VR gaming altogether.
In terms of market context, the VR landscape is shifting. The Quest 2, priced around $299, remains a strong candidate with solid game offerings, including popular titles that are not contingent on Horizon Worlds. On the other hand, alternatives like the PlayStation VR2, priced at approximately $549, offers its own unique experiences but requires a PlayStation 5 console. The Valve Index, while more expensive starting around $999, provides an extensive VR experience with high-quality visual fidelity and a broader range of PC-compatible games. Each of these options may suit different user needs—whether you want standalone experiences, console integration, or high-end gaming on a PC.
For those intrigued by VR but uncertain about committing to the Meta ecosystem, it might be wise to explore other platforms. The lack of ongoing support for Horizon Worlds suggests that Meta is pulling back from its ambitious metaverse vision, potentially limiting long-term value for users invested in that environment. If you’re primarily interested in a rich library of games and ongoing support, exploring the Quest ecosystem or looking at alternatives like Valve might be more promising.
Source:
www.01net.com
