Meta has just launched the Desktop Editor for Horizon Worlds in a preview version, marking a significant shift in their world-building approach. This new tool is tailor-made for PCs and draws inspiration from Unity, a well-known game development platform, to streamline the creation process. Until now, creators had to rely on the Quest’s VR editor, but Meta is steering away from that, aiming for this new editor to enhance both the ease and the quality of world development.
The goal here is clear: Meta wants Horizon Worlds to appeal to a wider audience. Up until now, the platform’s success on Quest has been less than stellar. In an effort to expand its appeal, Meta made the metaverse available for mobile and desktop in 2023. Previously, only VR users could access it since the initial beta in 2021. Despite this expansion, the Horizon Worlds experience retained its VR-first ethos. However, that seems to be evolving.
With the introduction of the Desktop Editor, developers experienced in using traditional game engines like Unity can jump in and start creating. Meta’s developer resources advise, “While the VR creation tools are still around, they’re considered legacy. We highly recommend shifting your development to the Desktop Editor and similar PC tools.”
For those creators who prefer VR, there’s still a way to preview their scenes while using the desktop setup, though it’s no longer essential. In essence, participation in Horizon Worlds no longer mandates a VR headset for users or creators.
This move aligns with a recent report highlighting a leaked memo from Meta’s CTO, Andrew Bosworth. He noted that the mobile version of Horizon Worlds “needs to take off for our long-term plans to have any chance.”
Adding to the momentum, Meta has announced a substantial $50 million fund aimed at nurturing content creation within Horizon Worlds. This investment seeks to ignite engagement at a time when independent VR studios are finding it challenging.
In summary, Meta is not just pouring funds into Horizon Worlds; they’re also equipping developers with familiar tools, hoping to draw in a fresh wave of younger Quest users. These players often gravitate towards free-to-play and social gaming experiences—a niche that Horizon Worlds is keen to capture.
