Last 2021 Facebook announced its intention to push the use of its Oculus VR goggles through Horizon, the platform that aimed to steer the social network towards a virtual reality plane. And just now, taking off in 2022, Horizon Worlds officially stands as Meta’s new metaverse for experiencing Facebook’s virtual vision.
The first metaverse for users of Oculus Quest 2
After several months of testing with a group of beta testers, Horizon Worlds is now available for free to most Facebook users in North America. The conditions of use to download it are that you must be 18 years old, live in the United States or Canada, and have an Oculus Quest 2 device. The latter is because as of 13 January 2022, Horizon Worlds will no longer support Quest 1.
But without detracting from Zuckerberg’s recent metaverse, things are not as new as they seem. In 2003, the Second Life platform was born, which for a time brought together millions of people from all over the world to recreate their own virtual version with avatars sharing activities. Some companies even opened branches in their virtual Second Life world, and some bands played concerts on the platform.
But there were a couple of drawbacks: the complexity of its technology, which was not accessible to everyone, and the difficulties in accessing its server. As a result, Second Life’s popularity suffered, and now Horizon Worlds is presented as a new and improved alternative, which does not have the problems of its predecessor. In addition, it includes a virtual space with streets, houses, friends, pets and identical possibilities to connect with other users, and already in its presentation in 2021, Horizon Worlds assured that its operation would be very simple.
First reactions to Horizon Worlds
Facebook, which is now Meta, stated on the presentation and operation of Horizon Worlds:
“Before logging into Horizon for the first time, people will design their own avatars from a variety of style and body options. This will ensure that everyone can fully express their individuality. From there, magical portals, called telepods, will transport users from public spaces to new worlds full of adventure and exploration. At first people will jump into games and experiences created by Facebook”.
But while Meta’s first metaverse looks very attractive at the moment, not all opinions about its usability are favourable, with the experience being described as “somewhat childish”. Last October 2021, the company announced a $10 million fund for creators, so it is expected that more powerful and immersive games will be developed in the metaverse.
In Horizon Worlds, users can create their own environments, walk the streets and interact with other users’ avatars. To date, Meta’s greatest achievement is a game to share with friends called Arena Clash, but they have already announced further developments in this direction, such as a city explorer called Wand & Broom, and a virtual boat ride: Mark’s Riverboat.
Meta also noted in its communiqué:
“We want Horizon Worlds to be a safe and respectful environment, so everyone should follow our virtual reality conduct policy. Users will have several safety options, including access to a personal safe zone at any time through the menu on their wrist. They will be able to take a break and then block, mute or report people”.
At the moment, Horizon Worlds has only taken its first steps. We will have to give it time to see how far it can go, but for some it is already off to a promising start.