Meta ends Horizon Worlds VR to prioritize mobile development

Meta is planning to discontinue the VR version of Horizon Worlds by June as it transitions to a platform focused solely on mobile. The VR multiplayer experience will be removed from the Quest VR store by March 31, 2026, affecting worlds such as Horizon Central, Events Arena, Kaiju, and Bobber Bay, which will no longer be accessible via VR.

With the removal from Quest on June 15, all worlds will become unavailable for VR users, who will instead be able to explore "mobile-optimized" versions through the Meta Horizon mobile app. Additionally, Meta Horizon Capture is set to be discontinued from Horizon Worlds on March 24.

The perks associated with Meta Horizon Plus, such as Meta Credits, digital clothing, avatars, and in-world purchases, are scheduled for removal from the subscription by March 31. However, the primary gaming benefits and monthly games included in the subscription will remain unaffected.

Earlier this year, Meta revealed its decision to shift its Horizon Worlds metaverse platform's focus from Quest VR to mobile, according to a statement by the company's Reality Labs VP of content, Samantha Ryan. She noted that the initiative began with VR, with a small group of creators crafting immersive experiences. The shift to mobile has shown "positive momentum," prompting the company to fully commit to the mobile platform to reach a broader audience.

At the beginning of the year, Meta implemented a 10% reduction in its Reality Labs division, which was followed by the closure of three VR studios, including Twisted Pixel Games, Sanzaru Games, and Armature Studio, known for titles like Marvel's Deadpool VR, Asgard's Wrath, and Resident Evil VR port, respectively.