In October of 2021, Mark Zuckerberg’s Facebook officially rebranded to Meta. The company would now be moving beyond 2D screens into immersive experiences in the metaverse with the goal of creating “the next evolution of social technology”. Ever since, Meta has developed virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) among other products. In what follows, we break down the top industries Meta seeks to transform through its social technology.
Video games
With the release of the Oculus Quest VR headset back in May 2019, Meta Platforms inc managed to re-ignite interest in virtual reality technologies. Launched with over 50 games, the headset was praised for its accessible price and convenience.
Four years later, the Meta Quest platform boasts a wide catalog of VR games. From big-name franchise titles like Vader Immortal and Jurassic World Aftermath to VR versions of Resident Evil 4, Among Us, and other popular games, there is plenty of content for all tastes.
The Quest platform also features several multiplayer games and social apps. With Horizon Worlds, Meta tried its hand at creating an all-in-all social VR environment, featuring mini-games and world-building tools. Yet, the product has struggled to retain its users and generate a genuine impact in the VR market.
Education
Meta claims to have the potential to transform education. At two of the largest online high schools in Japan, over 6.000 students are reportedly supporting their learning in VR by using Meta Quest 2 headsets.
According to Nick Clegg, President of Global Affairs at Meta, the possibilities for learning in the metaverse are exciting. “Instead of telling students what the dinosaurs were like, they can walk among them. Entire science laboratories can be built and filled with equipment that most schools would never be able to afford,” wrote Clegg in a recent entry on the Meta website.
iGaming
If there is an industry that has evolved and skyrocketed with the rise of the internet, that is iGaming. Nowadays, it is possible to place a sporting bet or access a real money slot app at the speed of one click. There are thousands of apps and websites offering extensive game libraries that include slots, roulette, baccarat, poker, live games, and more.
Needless to say, Meta has taken advantage of the popularity of online casinos, introducing several VR games and virtual environments that allow for a more social gaming experience.
Sports
From boxing to yoga and dance, the Meta Quest platform provides several fitness apps. Meanwhile, games like The Thrill of The Fight (boxing), 2MD: VR Football Unleashed, and Carve Snowballing have been designed to help players feel as if they are actually partaking in their favorite sports.
In late 2022, Meta released Xtadium, a “co-watching VR sports hub” that features on-demand, live, and per-pay-view access to basketball, tennis, car racing, surfing, and other sporting events.
To conclude
Through its VR products, Meta seeks to transform the video games, education, iGaming, and sports industry. While it has had significant success with video games, it is still early to measure the impact on areas such as education, which has only begun to embrace VR technology.
