Metaverse for Everyone: Horizon Worlds Expands to Mobile and Web with Super Rumble!

Are you ready to jump into the metaverse without needing a VR headset? Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta is making it happen! Horizon Worlds, Meta’s social metaverse platform, is now rolling out early access to mobile phones and computers. This is a big move to make the metaverse more accessible and bring in a wider audience. Let’s dive into what this means for you and the future of virtual worlds.

What’s New with Horizon Worlds? Metaverse on Your Devices!

For those familiar with the metaverse buzz, Horizon Worlds has been Meta’s flagship platform for social VR experiences. Initially exclusive to Meta Quest VR headsets, it’s now breaking free and venturing onto devices you already own – your smartphones and computers. This expansion started on September 15th with an early access rollout, marking a significant shift in Meta’s metaverse strategy.

The first taste of this expanded metaverse is through “Super Rumble,” a fast-paced, free-for-all shooter game. Imagine quick, adrenaline-pumping five-minute matches with up to six players. Think of it as a fun, accessible entry point to metaverse gaming on your mobile or web browser. Meta promises this is just the beginning, with more worlds and experiences on the way.

Early Access: Who Gets In First?

Right now, early access to Horizon Worlds on web and Android’s Meta Quest app is limited to a select group. Think of it as a beta test, allowing Meta to gather feedback and fine-tune the experience before a wider launch. iOS users, don’t worry! An iOS rollout is planned soon. Meta is taking a gradual approach, expanding access as they learn from user interactions and optimize performance.

Key points about the early access rollout:

• Limited initial access: Starts with a select group on web and Android (Meta Quest app).
• iOS coming soon: Rollout for Apple devices is in the pipeline.
• Gradual expansion: Meta will increase access as they gather feedback and improve the platform.
• Focus on user experience: Early access is crucial for refining the mobile and web metaverse experience.

Why Mobile and Web? Reaching a Wider Audience

Meta’s vision is clear: the metaverse should be for everyone. While VR headsets offer the most immersive experience, they also present a barrier to entry for many. Expanding to mobile and web platforms is about breaking down those barriers and making the metaverse accessible to a much larger audience.

Benefits of mobile and web access:

• Accessibility: Reaches users without VR headsets, tapping into the massive mobile and web user base.
• Convenience: Users can access the metaverse from devices they already use daily.
• Wider adoption potential: Lowering the entry barrier can accelerate metaverse adoption.
• Diverse user base: Attracts users who may be curious about the metaverse but not ready to invest in VR.

User Numbers: Where Does Horizon Worlds Stand?

Meta hasn’t publicly shared the latest monthly active user count for Horizon Worlds. However, reports from October 2022 indicated user numbers were below 200,000. It’s important to note that Horizon Worlds is currently available in a limited number of countries: Canada, France, Iceland, Ireland, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

This expansion to mobile and web could be a strategic move to boost user numbers and broaden the reach of Horizon Worlds beyond its current VR-centric audience.

Metaverse Pioneers: PC/Web First, Then VR?

Interestingly, Meta’s approach differs from some other blockchain-based metaverse platforms. Platforms like Decentraland and The Sandbox started their journeys on PC and web before exploring VR.

Platform Launch Strategies:

Decentraland launched its browser-based 3D virtual world in February 2020, while The Sandbox launched its Alpha on PC in November 2021. Neither platform has released an official VR version yet. Meta, on the other hand, began with VR and is now expanding outwards. This difference in strategy highlights the diverse approaches being taken in the evolving metaverse landscape.

Finally, Legs in the Metaverse!

Remember the metaverse avatars without legs? It was a hot topic of discussion and even some lighthearted criticism! Well, Meta has delivered on its promise! Horizon Worlds avatars are now getting virtual legs. This update, initially announced at Connect 2022 and promised for 2023, is rolling out. Users have already spotted legs in the Quest Home space, and now they’re making their way to Horizon Worlds. It’s a small detail, but it adds a touch more realism and presence to your virtual self.

The Metaverse Future is Expanding

The expansion of Horizon Worlds to mobile and web platforms, coupled with the arrival of virtual legs, represents a significant step forward for Meta’s metaverse ambitions. By making the metaverse more accessible and user-friendly, Meta is paving the way for broader adoption and a more inclusive virtual future. As the metaverse continues to develop, Meta’s initiatives are undoubtedly shaping its trajectory. Keep an eye on Horizon Worlds – it’s becoming easier than ever to explore!