Reality Labs
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Virtual Reality Check
Meta has reportedly laid off approximately 700 employees, with a significant portion of the cuts affecting its Reality Labs division. This division is responsible for the development of virtual and augmented reality hardware, including the PlayStation VR2.
Meta sends more mixed signals about its future in VR with more layoffs at Reality Labs, while its director of games told GDC, "We've a lot going on – new hardware, new audiences, new games"
Meta is reportedly conducting further layoffs across various departments, including its Reality Labs VR division, as it shifts focus towards Artificial Intelligence. Despite these cuts and the closure of some VR studios, Meta's director of games stated that investment in Meta Quest hardware and games remains high. The company is exploring new hardware, potentially with pricier components like Micro-OLED displays for future headsets, while also adapting to community feedback on platforms like Horizon Worlds.
Meta lays off hundreds of workers, including more from Reality Labs
Meta has laid off hundreds of employees, with a significant number from its Reality Labs division, which focuses on VR and the metaverse. These cuts come amid substantial investments in AI infrastructure and a reported workforce reduction plan. Several executives are also set to receive large, performance-tied compensation packages.
Meta discontinues Horizon Worlds VR as it focuses on mobile
Meta is discontinuing the VR version of its metaverse platform, Horizon Worlds, on June 15, 2026, shifting its focus entirely to a mobile-only experience. The VR version will be removed from the Quest store by March 31, 2026, making all associated worlds inaccessible. Meta Horizon Plus subscription perks will also be phased out by the end of March.
Meta is reportedly planning to cut up to 20 percent of its staff in upcoming layoffs
Meta is reportedly planning significant layoffs, potentially cutting up to 20 percent of its workforce, according to a Reuters report. While specific details are not finalized, executives are being asked to plan for workforce reductions. This follows previous rounds of layoffs and substantial spending on AI startups.
Meta "shifts focus" of Horizon Worlds platform from Quest VR to mobile
Meta is shifting the focus of its Horizon Worlds metaverse platform from its Quest VR headsets to mobile devices to reach a larger market. The company is separating its VR and Worlds platforms, doubling down on the VR developer ecosystem while making Worlds almost exclusively mobile. This strategic shift follows significant financial losses for Reality Labs and recent layoffs and studio closures.
