Meta backtracks on decision to end Horizon Worlds VR after fans speak up

In a surprising turnaround, Meta has decided to keep its Horizon Worlds platform operational for virtual reality headsets. This announcement came just a day after the company indicated it would shut down the service. Meta's Chief Technology Officer, Andrew Bosworth, revealed in an Instagram Q&A that the VR environment would remain accessible 'for the foreseeable future' to accommodate the passionate feedback from its users. Initially, Meta had planned to remove Horizon Worlds from the Quest Store by the end of the month and discontinue its availability on VR headsets entirely by June 15. Following the backlash, the company confirmed this change in a statement to CNBC. Bosworth emphasized that existing games developed using the Horizon Unity game engine would continue to thrive in the VR space, although no new titles would be introduced to the social platform. He noted that the company's focus is shifting towards mobile applications, particularly the Meta Horizon Engine, which has garnered significant attention from both consumers and creators. This engine is designed to enhance performance and visuals while accommodating larger audiences, transitioning from the Horizon Unity that supported the platform since its 2021 launch. Despite its potential, Horizon Worlds has struggled to achieve widespread popularity, attracting only a few hundred thousand monthly users. In contrast, the gaming giant Roblox boasts over 100 million daily active users, highlighting the competitive landscape Meta faces in the virtual space. The company remains committed to its vision for the metaverse, even as it grapples with these challenges.