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On this multi-player virtual platform, players move and interact with each other in various worlds that host events, games, and social activities. The game was originally released on December 9, 2020 for the Oculus Rift and Oculus Quest 2 headsets, and is now available on the web without the need for a VR headset.

In February 2022, Meta reported Horizon Worlds had an estimated 300,000 users, but the Wall Street Journal reported less than 200,000 monthly users in October 2022. Horizon Worlds has received mixed reviews, with critics citing bugs and an unenjoyable environment that degrades the user experience.

Gameplay
The game may be played with an Oculus Rift S or Oculus Quest 2 virtual reality headset and uses full 3D motion via the motion capture system of the headset and two hand-held motion controllers, which are required to interact with objects in the game. In October 2022, Meta announced that they will be launching a web version, allowing users to access the game without an Oculus as well. Players can explore the space around them within the confines of their physical floor-space, while roaming further by using controller buttons to teleport a short distance or to move continuously through the virtual space.

According to Meta, users can create their own avatar, with a custom face and outfit, to represent themselves in the virtual world. All players begin at the hub (also known as the “plaza”), where they can take portals to different worlds created by other users. An integrated game creation system allows users to create new worlds. Users can also create their own personal space, which is a world private to only them. The game’s website lists other features such as taking a picture within the game, joining a party with friends, and blocking users.

Development
He has also announced plans for Horizon Worlds to expand to the web.

In March 2022, Meta announced “Builder Tracks for Horizon Worlds”, a developer program for game development inside Horizon Worlds. Meta has pledged $500,000 to fund the program, including cash prizes, a Horizon Worlds bootcamp, and support from Meta developers.

In April 2022, Meta started testing monetization in Horizon Worlds in the form of in-app purchases, where a few select creators began selling virtual items, such as clothing, to players 18 years and older. Meta also started testing the Horizon Worlds Creator Bonus program where creators are paid monthly bonuses.

Critics
Sean Bowles from Apply Digital praised the platform for its ability to create monetization opportunities through partnerships. However, he also criticized the centralized nature of Meta’s control over the game, along with the clunkiness of the graphics and lack of social engagement.

Meta executives have also commented on the issues within Horizon Worlds. Vishal Shah, VP of Metaverse at Meta, commented that users and creators have provided feedback to the team about the lack of stability and prevalence of bugs in the platform. According to Shah, the combination of these performance issues has made the game unenjoyable to many users. Shah also found that company employees have also stopped using the platform, writing, “The simple truth is, if we don’t love it, how can we expect our users to love it?" . However, other executives have urged critics to be patient with the developing technology, and have stated that Meta is currently working towards improvements.

Users
The same report found that most worlds created by players are never visited, and less than 9% have ever been visited by more than 50 people.

However, there are some worlds that are more frequently visited, such as The Soapstone Comedy Club, a user-created space for standup comedy that reports receiving up to 13,000 weekly visitors.

Controversies
In another incident, a female reporter from the Wall Street Journal was asked to expose herself by another user while trying to conduct interviews in the game.

Horizon World’s Safe Zone allows players to separate themselves from other players and their surroundings, as well as mute or block other players or certain types of content. In June 2022, Meta announced that it would roll out Voice Mode, a voice feature that allows users to garble incoming strangers’ audio to protect themselves from potentially harmful or unwanted speech.

Promotional Events
On October 13, 2022, the UFC announced a partnership with Meta. ]Users with a UFC Fight Pass will be able to watch live and on-demand events on Horizon Worlds using a Meta Quest 2 headset. The UFC debuted the live VR events on Horizon Worlds with LFA 144 on October 14, 2022.

Horizon Worlds will stream live music events as part of its partnership with Tidal, as announced by Oculus on October 25, 2022. The platform will stream a live concert series featuring Tidal Rising’s emerging artists.