Meta Reverses Course, Pledges to Keep Horizon Worlds Running in VR
Meta has walked back its decision to shut down Horizon Worlds in VR, promising to keep the platform alive for existing users — at least for now.
Meta Backtracks on Horizon Worlds VR Shutdown
In a surprising reversal, Meta has decided to keep its Horizon Worlds platform operational in virtual reality, walking back an earlier announcement that would have effectively ended the VR experience for its user base. The company's Chief Technology Officer, Andrew Bosworth, broke the news during a video AMA session on Instagram.
"I have a little bit of good news for you," Bosworth told viewers, confirming that the decision had been made that very day. "We will keep Horizon Worlds working in VR for existing games, to support the fans who reached out."
What Changed — and Why
Earlier in the week, Meta had sent an email to Horizon Worlds users announcing it would discontinue the VR version of the platform on June 15, while keeping a mobile version available. That message did not sit well with a portion of the community, and the resulting fan feedback appears to have directly influenced the company's change of heart.
The original shutdown announcement came in the wake of Meta's broader strategic pivot away from metaverse and VR investments, which the company revealed back in February. That shift included laying off roughly 10 percent of the workforce within Reality Labs, the division responsible for Meta's VR and augmented reality products.
What's Still Changing for Horizon Worlds Users
While the platform will remain accessible in VR, users should not expect a full-featured experience going forward. Meta has made clear that:
- No new games or major features will be developed for the VR version of Horizon Worlds
- Users cannot create new virtual spaces, though existing user-built worlds will remain accessible
- No timeline has been given for when the ability to create new worlds will be removed entirely
On a brighter note, Meta confirmed that virtual concerts will continue as part of a broader content lineup. "Immersive 3D and 2D concerts are still accessible on Quest via the TV app found in the Quest Store," a company representative stated, adding that new concerts are planned.
A Pattern of Winding Down
This move mirrors what Meta did earlier in January with its Supernatural fitness service — halting future development while keeping the platform running for existing subscribers. Bosworth acknowledged that both creator and consumer activity within Horizon Worlds has been gravitating toward mobile, which explains why the company is prioritizing that version of the platform.
"For people who already have games they like in Horizon Worlds, you'll be able to download the Horizon Worlds app and use it in VR for the foreseeable future," he said.
Industry Analysts Remain Skeptical
Despite the reprieve, industry observers are cautious about reading too much into Meta's commitment. Jitesh Ubrani, a research manager at analyst firm IDC, noted that the language used offers little in the way of long-term assurance.
"I wonder how long it continues," Ubrani said. "'The foreseeable future' does not sound like a ringing endorsement that this is going to stay around forever."
With Meta clearly spending more on Horizon Worlds than it is earning back, the financial pressure to eventually pull the plug entirely has not disappeared. For now, dedicated VR users get a temporary reprieve — but the platform's long-term fate remains uncertain.
