Meta reversed its plan to shut down Horizon Worlds in VR after backlash, confirming the platform will remain accessible for existing users indefinitely. CTO Andrew Bosworth stated via Instagram that the app will stay operational for current games, though no new titles will be developed. This U-turn follows an earlier announcement that VR access would end June 15 as Meta shifts focus to mobile experiences, despite Horizon Worlds' limited adoption.

The decision to backtrack comes as Meta continues scaling back its metaverse division, having laid off 1,000 employees and closed three VR studios in 2023. Bosworth emphasized ongoing investment in VR hardware, including next-gen headsets, while clarifying the metaverse encompasses more than VR, including augmented reality (AR). He cited examples like users being physically present at a table while digitally engaged on their phones as part of the broader vision.

Bosworth addressed widespread misinformation, insisting Horizon Worlds isn't "dead" and VR remains a priority. The platform's decline in popularity—despite Meta's $10B+ investment—led to the initial shutdown plans, reflecting broader challenges in consumer adoption of immersive tech. The reversal signals Meta's struggle to balance costly bets with shifting priorities toward AI advancements.

While Horizon Worlds persists, its future remains uncertain without new content. Meta's pivot highlights the volatility of metaverse investments and the company's strategic recalibration toward AI and mixed reality. For now, existing users can continue exploring virtual spaces, though the platform's long-term viability hinges on Meta's ability to reconcile its expansive metaverse vision with practical execution.