Meta’s Metaverse Gets Legs for Avatars
Horizon Worlds, Meta’s metaverse app, will soon include a feature that gives avatars legs. The functionality will be tested in Horizon Home, the default room for Quest headset users. The legs will only be visible in third-person view to avoid inaccuracies in leg movements. This comes after Meta faced backlash for showcasing avatars with legs in October without actually implementing the feature.
Main breakdowns:
- Legs for avatars will be added to Horizon Worlds
- Legs will only be visible in third-person view
- The feature will be tested in Horizon Home
- Leg tracking hardware and software are not included in Quest headsets
- Meta faced criticism for showcasing avatars with legs without implementing the feature
Planning a Metaverse Comeback
Meta is focusing on revitalizing its Horizon Worlds metaverse. It recently launched Ouro Interactive, an in-house gaming studio, to include gaming experiences in the app. Meta is also making Horizon Worlds more accessible by launching a closed beta for mobile and web users. The company expects more users to connect using mobile devices in the future. However, Meta’s metaverse division, Reality Labs, has been losing money, with a $3.7 billion loss in Q2 2023 for metaverse research and development.
Main breakdowns:
- Meta is revamping Horizon Worlds with gaming experiences
- A closed beta for mobile and web users has been launched
- Meta expects more users to connect with mobile devices
- Reality Labs has incurred a significant loss in metaverse research and development
Hot Take
Meta’s addition of legs for avatars in Horizon Worlds is a step towards making the metaverse more immersive. However, the delay and backlash from users highlight the need for better communication and transparency from Meta. The company’s focus on gaming experiences and accessibility shows its determination to improve the metaverse. However, the significant financial losses in the metaverse division raise concerns about the sustainability of Meta’s metaverse endeavors.
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