December 9, 2021 – Meta (formerly Facebook) has today announced that it is making its social virtual reality (VR) platform ‘Horizon Worlds’ available for free to everyone 18 years of age or older in the US and Canada. Horizon Worlds offers a social VR experience that allows users to create and explore together. Meta stated that since launching as an invite-only beta last year, Horizon Worlds has seen its community begin to form and create unique experiences.
Meta states that its vision for Horizon Worlds is to develop a VR space that provides tools for creators to build words and explore together. The company recently announced a USD $10 million Creator Fund in order to support any creators looking to contribute content to the company’s metaverse. Since then, Meta has launched its first Creator Competition with cash prizes – the winners of which will be announced later this month.
In addition to today’s Horizon Worlds announcement, Meta is also debuting ‘Arena Clash’, a new team-based 3v3 laser tag game inside Horizon Worlds. Plus, the company is launching new mechanics and templates for creators to use when building their own games. Creators can now modify working scripts to create their own games for the community to play.
According to Meta, current community favorites in Horizon Worlds include: Pixel Plummet – a retro arcade-style multiplayer platform battle royale; Wand & Broom – an experience that lets users fly around and explore a city on a broomstick; and, Mark’s Riverboat – a relaxing river ride experience aboard a triple decker riverboat.
Users of Horizon Worlds will need to follow Meta’s ‘Conduct in VR Policy’. The platform also offers several safety options, including giving users access to a personal Safe Zone at any time through their wrist menu, letting them take a break or block, mute or report people.
Horizon Worlds is available to download for free on Quest 2 now. However, as of January 13, 2022, it will no longer be supported on the Quest 1 device. For more information on Meta’s Horizon Worlds social VR experience, click here.
Image / video credit: Meta / YouTube
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Sam is the Founder and Managing Editor of Auganix. With a background in research and report writing, he has been covering XR industry news for the past seven years.