Meta, formerly known as Facebook, recently shared new data about the user base of its Metaverse-based virtual world game, Horizon Worlds. The company has made it clear that it is shifting its focus towards virtual reality and Metaverse strategies, aiming to move beyond its social media-centric image.
In December, Meta opened its social VR platform, Horizon Worlds, to users aged 18 and above in Canada and the USA. Access to this platform requires the use of Oculus Quest virtual reality glasses, and each user has a personalized avatar. Through the controller buttons on the glasses, users can teleport to various locations within the virtual world.
Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, regards Horizon Worlds as “the core of our Metaverse vision.” The company has now disclosed the number of users engaging with this platform, signifying the growing significance of the Metaverse in Meta’s overall strategy.
Horizon Worlds reaches 300,000 users
Meta’s Chief Product Officer, Chris Cox, recently updated company employees on the progress of Horizon Worlds, revealing that the virtual reality platform has experienced a tenfold increase in monthly users since its launch, reaching a total of 300,000 users.
Additionally, a Meta spokesperson, Joe Osborne, clarified that this user count encompasses both Horizon Worlds and Horizon Venues, both utilizing the same infrastructure and technology. However, it does not include users of Horizon Workrooms, Meta’s virtual reality-based conferencing software, and the number of monthly users for Workrooms was not disclosed.
In a recent announcement, Meta shared that 10,000 separate worlds have been created on Horizon Worlds, showcasing the platform’s diversity and creativity. The private Facebook group for creators on the platform has also seen significant growth, boasting over 20,000 members.
Following an increase in harassment incidents within the Metaverse-based Horizon Worlds, Meta took corrective measures by introducing the Personal Limit feature.
This feature ensures that avatars can protect themselves by maintaining a distance of 1.2 meters from other avatars. The company has set this feature to be activated by default for all users, and the distance limit cannot be altered. Meta believes that implementing the “Personal Limit” feature as a default setting will contribute to establishing behavioral norms in the relatively new medium of virtual reality.