Meta is formally separating its Horizon Worlds platform from the Quest VR platform, marking a significant shift in its metaverse strategy, according to a blog post by Samantha Ryan, Vice President of Content at Reality Labs.
The decision to separate the two platforms is aimed at creating more space for both products to grow, with Meta planning to double down on the VR developer ecosystem while shifting the focus of Worlds to be almost exclusively mobile. “We’re explicitly separating our Quest VR platform from our Worlds platform in order to create more space for both products to grow,” Ryan wrote. “We’re doubling down on the VR developer ecosystem while shifting the focus of Worlds to be almost exclusively mobile. By breaking things down into two distinct platforms, we’ll be better able to clearly focus on each.”
This strategic reorganization positions Horizon Worlds as a direct competitor to platforms like Roblox and Fortnite, which feature user-created content and monetizable experiences. Meta cited its ability to connect games to “billions of people on the world’s biggest social networks” as a primary reason for the mobile pivot. The company has been developing mobile and web versions of Horizon Worlds in parallel with its VR app since at least 2023.
The move follows recent cuts to Meta’s Reality Labs division and aligns with Mark Zuckerberg’s public commitment to prioritize AI hardware, such as smart glasses. Earlier this year, Meta shut down several of its internal VR game studios. However, the company stated it remains committed to supporting third-party developers publishing on its platform. New tools planned for these developers include monetization features, improved discoverability, and a “Deals” tab.
Despite the shift toward mobile for Horizon Worlds, Meta continues to support the Quest hardware line. In December 2025, Business Insider reported that Meta was working on a gaming-focused Quest headset. In February 2026, Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth confirmed that the company still has multiple Quest devices on its roadmap.
