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Vince Gilligan’s Impact on Television and the Unfolding of New Projects

Sebastian Holloway — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 06:47:24 +0000

Key moments

In a recent development, Vince Gilligan, the acclaimed creator of the iconic series Breaking Bad, has made headlines with his reflections on the challenges of storytelling in the modern age. Known for his meticulous craftsmanship, Gilligan has captivated audiences with his ability to weave complex narratives, particularly in the unforgettable episode ‘Ozymandias’, which is celebrated as one of the greatest achievements in television history.

Gilligan’s ‘Ozymandias’ holds a perfect rating of 10.0 on IMDb, a testament to its profound impact on viewers and critics alike. The episode serves as a culmination of Walter White’s moral decay as a meth kingpin, showcasing the devastating consequences of his choices. An unscripted moment that resonated deeply with audiences was when baby Holly uttered the word ‘Mama’, a poignant reminder of innocence amidst chaos. This moment, noted by writer Moira Walley-Beckett, highlights the emotional depth Gilligan strives to achieve in his storytelling.

However, not all of Gilligan’s recent endeavors have gone as planned. He recently acknowledged the cancellation of a highly anticipated Breaking Bad virtual reality (VR) game project that had been in development for approximately five years. Gilligan expressed his frustrations, stating, “Making a video game is damn hard. It takes years and millions of dollars, especially when you’re trying to break new ground with VR.” This candid admission reflects the complexities and hurdles that creators face in the evolving landscape of entertainment.

Despite the setback with the VR project, Gilligan remains committed to exploring innovative storytelling methods. He had collaborated with Sony Interactive Entertainment to delve into the possibilities of virtual reality, aiming to push the boundaries of narrative experiences. Yet, he also noted, “We don’t have enough bandwidth usually to make it work, I wouldn’t hold your breath on a video game,” indicating the challenges that lie ahead.

As fans eagerly await news about Gilligan’s upcoming projects, including the second season of Pluribus, details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact premiere date and the status of the cast returning to work. The anticipation surrounding these developments is palpable, as Gilligan’s work continues to resonate with audiences who appreciate his unique approach to storytelling.

In the broader context of the entertainment industry, Gilligan’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. He has humorously remarked, “The Pitt is kicking our butts in every award show,” acknowledging the competitive nature of the industry while also highlighting the recognition that Breaking Bad continues to receive. This spirit of camaraderie and competition reflects the vibrant community of creators striving for excellence.

As Vince Gilligan navigates the complexities of modern storytelling, his legacy as a pioneer in television remains firmly established. His ability to connect with audiences through rich narratives and unforgettable characters, such as Walter White, Skyler, Hank Schrader, Jesse Pinkman, and Saul Goodman, ensures that his work will continue to inspire future generations of storytellers.

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Metaverse: Meta’s Horizon Worlds to Exit VR by 2026: A Shift in the Landscape

Callum Ashford — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 18:38:52 +0000

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.

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