Meta is preparing to make a new change in its brand strategy related to virtual reality services, as leaked reports indicate that the current Meta Horizon+ subscription service is on its way to being renamed Meta VR+. This move comes as part of the company's ongoing efforts to move away from the "Horizon" brand legacy, which has been associated with metaverse projects that have seen a decline in interest recently.
What is changing in practice?
The current service is based on a monthly subscription model of $7.99 and provides users with a library of over 100 games, in addition to a basic package of Xbox cloud games. The anticipated change is not limited to the name alone, but extends to expanding the content scope to include 3D movies.
So far, details remain unclear as to whether these movies will be included in the current subscription at the same price, or if Meta will adopt a multi-tiered model as is the case with streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+. Leaks based on leaked screenshots suggest that cinematic content may be part of the company's strategy to enhance the value of upcoming smart glasses developed by the company, while ensuring this content is compatible with current Meta Quest 3 devices.
Context of the strategic change
This shift comes as part of a comprehensive restructuring of Meta's virtual reality division, which began earlier this year. The company has made strategic decisions that included downsizing internal game development studios and separating the "Horizon" platform from headsets to become a mobile-only experience. The new "Meta VR" brand aims to provide greater clarity to users and separate the virtual reality sector from the company's other initiatives in the fields of smart glasses and mobile technologies.
This information remains in the realm of leaks until the company issues an official announcement, as Meta has not yet confirmed the final date for launching the new name or the details of the cinematic content packages.