Samantha Ryan, VP of Content at Reality Labs, recently revealed an updated roadmap for Horizon Worlds, Meta’s immersive 3D virtual world, emphasizing a shift to an almost entirely mobile-focused experience.
The new strategy separates Worlds from the VR space that Mark Zuckerberg once described in 2017 as a platform not for escaping reality but for enhancing it. Ryan explained that Meta is “explicitly separating our Quest VR platform from our Worlds platform to allow both products more room to grow.”
Eight years later, and following nearly $80 billion in losses since 2020, Meta is now “going all-in on mobile,” after testing Worlds on mobile over the past year.
What’s Ahead for Horizon Worlds on Mobile?
Meta sees a mobile-only approach for Worlds as a chance to tap into a larger market, which generated $81.8 billion in revenue in 2025.
Ryan highlighted Meta’s ambitions to “truly change the game”:
> “We’re well-positioned to deliver synchronous social games at scale, leveraging our ability to connect these games with billions of users on the world’s largest social networks.”
Early signs from the mobile pivot are promising. Monthly active users have grown significantly, over 2,000 new mobile-only worlds have launched, and in-world purchases are increasing.
Ryan also emphasized opportunities for creators to turn their Worlds into “real businesses,” with the $50 million Creator Fund designed to support and expand the creator community.
> “We grew mobile MAU over fourfold in 2025, and creators are finding success. Four creators reached $1 million in lifetime revenue, and nearly 100 earned six figures last year.”
Meta plans continued investment in mobile Worlds through the introduction of Meta Horizon Studio and Meta Horizon Engine, enhancing graphics, load times, and overall user experience. Access to Horizon Studio will expand further in the coming months.
The shift reflects a broader strategic realignment, including a 10% reduction in Reality Labs staff and the closure of three VR studios at the start of 2026.
Ryan confirmed these are significant changes but stressed Meta’s ongoing commitment to VR, noting that experimentation remains a core part of the company’s foundation.
Meta’s mobile pivot will face competition from established platforms like Fortnite and Roblox, in a crowded social and gaming mobile market where immersive experiences heavily influence user engagement.
