The numbers
In a significant shift for the metaverse, Meta has confirmed that its virtual reality platform, Horizon Worlds, will no longer be available in VR after June 15, 2026. This decision comes as part of a broader reorientation of Meta’s metaverse strategy, which has seen the company invest a staggering $80 billion in this emerging technology.
As part of this transition, Horizon Worlds will be removed from the Quest Store by March 31, 2026. Despite the shutdown of this VR platform, Meta reassures users that its VR hardware line will continue to thrive. “We have a robust roadmap of future VR headsets that will be tailored to different audience segments as the market grows and matures,” a Meta spokesperson stated.
The decision to pivot away from Horizon Worlds reflects a larger trend within the metaverse space. While Meta has been a leading force in VR, it appears that the anticipated customer-facing services within the metaverse have yet to materialize in any meaningful way. Observers note that by 2026, 25% of people are expected to spend at least one hour a day in the metaverse for various activities, including work, shopping, education, and entertainment, according to industry analyst Marty Resnick.
Historically, Meta’s commitment to the metaverse has been unwavering since it rebranded from Facebook to Meta a few years ago. The company has remained the single biggest investor in the VR industry, pushing forward with ambitious plans. However, as the metaverse evolves, it has become clear that certain initiatives, such as Horizon Worlds, may not meet the expectations set by both the company and its users.
In a related development, companies like Walmart have successfully integrated VR into their training programs. Since 2021, Walmart has utilized VR-based training for its contact center agents, leading to impressive results. A recent survey revealed that the average annual turnover rate in contact centers has reached 60%, highlighting the need for effective training solutions. Strivr, a VR training provider, has reduced total training time for Walmart associates from eight hours down to just 15 minutes, while employee satisfaction scores rose by 30% following VR training.
Furthermore, associates who underwent VR training scored 10-15% higher on post-training assessments, showcasing the effectiveness of immersive learning experiences. This success story contrasts with Meta’s challenges in establishing a viable customer-facing metaverse service, emphasizing the importance of adapting to user needs and market demands.
Looking ahead, the landscape of the metaverse continues to evolve. By 2026, it is projected that 30% of organizations worldwide will have products and services ready for the metaverse. However, as Marty Resnick cautions, “It is still too early to know which investments will be viable in the long term, but product managers should take the time to learn, explore and prepare for a metaverse in order to position themselves competitively.” Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific features and functionalities of Meta’s upcoming mobile app for Horizon Worlds, but the company is clearly focused on adapting to the changing needs of its audience.
