Revitalizing the Metaverse: Meta will stud the future with VR and AI

Author: JP Buntinx; Compiler: Heart of the Metaverse (MetaverseHub)

Digital giant Meta has set out to revive its struggling Horizon Worlds platform.

To this end, they are trying to offset huge losses and rekindle interest in their metaverse business by deploying a newly formed VR game studio.

01 Use technical strength to enhance game experience

In an interview with tech newsletter Lowpass, Metaverse Vice President Vishal Shah revealed the company's strategic move. Currently, **Meta is developing a unique launch game through its game studio Ouro Interactive. **Reporters for this newsletter had the opportunity to test the upcoming game Super Rumble and experience first-hand the improved graphics and immersive gameplay that the advanced technology brings.

Shah told Lowpass: We significantly increased the potential of Horizon in terms of visual detail, interactivity and engaging gameplay. The announcement encapsulates the studio's goals in trying to push the boundaries of VR gaming.

Meta's strategic plan also includes focusing on the huge base of mobile game players around the world. Shah suggested introducing Horizon Worlds into the app marketplace to make the platform more inclusive. Although a specific launch date has yet to be confirmed, cross-platform game integration is apparently one of the plans.

02 Expansion into new fields: From VR exclusive to VR as the core

The launch of the mobile version is conceived as an entrance for users who do not own VR headsets to enter the platform, shifting the focus of the platform from pure VR to a diversified gaming experience centered on VR. Over the past year, Horizon Worlds has devoted resources to more complex game development and enabling developers to import assets through third-party tools.

In addition, Horizon Worlds has also begun to invest in generative AI tools to simplify the user experience, and users can create in this virtual world without professional 3D rendering tools. Shah told Lowpass: This is not just a new world, it represents the next generation of Horizon Worlds.

03 Interaction of AI and Metaverse: An Important Strategic Focus

**CEO Zuckerberg echoed the same sentiment during a recent earnings call, citing AI and the Metaverse as high priorities. He noted the overlap and complementarity between the two fields. **

Regarding Horizon, he expressed satisfaction with the progress in user retention. Additionally, he highlighted a major upgrade to the avatars, which he envisions will serve as the link between the Meta mobile app, VR and mixed reality experiences.

Despite these advances, Meta reported a massive operating loss of $3.7 billion in the second quarter of 2023 in its Reality Labs division. The division is responsible for the Quest VR headset and the Horizon Worlds platform. Meta expects these losses to increase year-over-year in 2023 due to continued product development.

04 A Firm Stand in Industry Retreat: Meta's Recommitment to the Metaverse

At a time when industry leaders like Disney are reportedly pulling out of similar projects, Meta reaffirms its commitment to the Metaverse project. Despite facing operational setbacks, Meta has an unwavering belief in the potential of the Metaverse.

Only time will tell if these bold moves succeed in reigniting interest in Horizon Worlds and shaping the future of the virtual realm.