Meta Platforms, formerly Facebook, has announced a major shift for its social VR platform, Horizon Worlds. Originally launched as a virtual reality space where users could create and explore 3D worlds, Horizon Worlds will now pivot toward mobile devices. The platform will move away from headset-based VR experiences and adopt a structure more similar to Roblox, focusing on accessible, user-generated content that can be played on smartphones and tablets.
The company has spent more than $70 billion on virtual and augmented reality since rebranding as Meta in 2021, but adoption of VR has lagged behind expectations. By shifting to mobile, Meta aims to reach a broader audience and reduce the barriers associated with VR hardware. The change reflects a broader strategy to make Horizon Worlds easier to access while maintaining its social and creative focus.
Restructuring Meta’s VR and Reality Labs
On February 19, Meta confirmed that it would split its VR and Reality Labs division from Horizon Worlds. According to the announcement, this restructuring is intended to give both the VR hardware and Horizon Worlds platforms more room to grow independently. Horizon Worlds will now operate as a free-to-play mobile platform, emphasizing social gaming and creator-driven content rather than immersive VR experiences.
Meta explained that initial tests of mobile access had shown positive momentum, suggesting that the platform could attract a larger and more active user base if made available on devices people already own. This strategic pivot signals a clear prioritization of accessibility over immersive VR for Horizon Worlds.
Horizon Worlds Adopts a Roblox-Style Model
The move toward mobile positions Horizon Worlds closer to user-generated gaming ecosystems like Roblox. Meta highlighted a few games that have seen strong engagement on the platform, including Grow A Garden, Steal A Brainrot, and Yeet Yourself. These games emphasize short, casual play experiences that appeal to younger audiences, a shift from the original VR-focused design that required dedicated headsets.
Industry trends support this approach. Roblox has maintained strong growth in recent years, showing that mobile-friendly, social, and creator-driven platforms can attract and retain large audiences. By following a similar model, Meta hopes to expand Horizon Worlds’ reach and engagement without relying on VR adoption.
What This Means for VR at Meta
While Horizon Worlds is moving away from VR, Meta has confirmed that virtual reality is still part of its long-term plans. The company continues to develop VR hardware and support third-party VR developers. However, recent internal changes, including restructuring of VR game studios, suggest that VR will no longer be the central focus of Meta’s consumer strategy. Instead, mobile platforms and artificial intelligence initiatives appear to be taking priority.
The shift also reflects the challenges of building a large-scale consumer VR ecosystem. Early visions of a fully immersive metaverse have not yet materialized at the scale Meta initially anticipated, and mobile-first platforms provide a way to grow social and gaming communities without the same hardware requirements.
Industry Context and Outlook
Meta’s pivot highlights the challenges and opportunities in the metaverse and VR space. Consumer VR adoption remains limited compared to mobile gaming, while user-generated content platforms like Roblox show consistent growth. By converting Horizon Worlds into a mobile platform, Meta is responding to both market realities and user behavior, seeking to increase engagement through accessibility rather than immersive experiences.
This approach could allow Meta to compete in the social gaming market while continuing to explore VR innovations behind the scenes. The company’s long-term metaverse strategy may still include immersive experiences, but immediate growth is being prioritized through mobile gaming.
Make sure to check out our articles about top games to play in 2026:
Best Nintendo Switch Games for 2026
Best First-Person Shooters for 2026
Best PlayStation Indie Games for 2026
Best Multiplayer Games for 2026
Most Anticipated Games of 2026
Top Game Releases for January 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Horizon Worlds?
Horizon Worlds is Meta’s social platform where users can create, explore, and interact in 3D worlds. Originally VR-only, it is now shifting to mobile devices.
Why is Meta moving Horizon Worlds to mobile?
Meta is focusing on mobile to reach a broader audience and reduce barriers associated with VR hardware. Early mobile testing showed increased engagement.
Will Horizon Worlds still support VR?
Yes, Meta continues to invest in VR hardware and third-party developers, but VR will no longer be the platform’s main focus.
How is Horizon Worlds similar to Roblox?
The mobile version emphasizes short, casual, user-generated games, similar to the experiences offered on Roblox, appealing to younger and casual audiences.
Does this mean Meta is abandoning the metaverse?
Not entirely. Meta is still pursuing long-term VR and metaverse development, but the immediate focus is on accessible mobile experiences.
