Frank McDougall
Meta, formerly known as Oculus, has experienced notable success in the world of virtual and augmented reality headsets. The company’s vice president for VR, Mark Rabkin, revealed that nearly 20 million Quest headsets were sold by February 2023. These impressive sales numbers are expected to continue soaring with the release of the highly anticipated Quest 3.
One reason why Meta’s Quest platform hasn’t gained as much attention in the console scene is its lack of major first-party titles. Unlike PlayStation and Xbox, which have a wide range of exclusive games, Meta’s Quest platform fell short in terms of AAA gaming presence. However, Meta is determined to change that.
By the end of the year, Meta’s Horizon OS will host a variety of titles from popular franchises such as The Walking Dead, Alien, Hitman, Ghostbusters, Assassin’s Creed, and even Batman: Arkham Shadow. Many of these titles will be exclusive to Meta’s headsets, giving them a competitive edge in the market.
The release of these AAA titles could coincide with the unveiling of the Meta Quest 3S headset at the upcoming Meta Connect 2024 event. This cheaper headset is expected to make VR even more accessible and attractive to a wider audience.
While Meta’s success in the VR market is undeniable, the company faces a potential threat from within. Meta’s Orion smart glasses, which promise a true AR experience, are years away from being consumer-ready. These advanced glasses could revolutionize wearable tech but might come with a hefty price tag due to their advanced features and components.
Nevertheless, Meta’s focus on releasing AAA titles on its Quest platform and its dedication to making VR more accessible could be the key to dominating the VR market in the years to come. As the platform continues to evolve and offer immersive experiences, it has the potential to become a genuine competitor to established game consoles. The stage is set for Meta to break the glass ceiling and solidify its position as a leader in the VR industry.
Facts not mentioned in the article:
1. In addition to gaming, Meta’s Quest headsets are also being used in various industries such as education, healthcare, and training simulations.
2. The Quest platform offers a wireless and untethered VR experience, allowing users to move freely without being restricted by cables.
3. Meta is investing in the development of social VR experiences, creating virtual worlds where users can interact and collaborate with each other.
Key questions and answers:
1. What sets Meta’s Quest headsets apart from other VR headsets in the market?
Meta’s Quest headsets stand out for their wireless and untethered experience, allowing for freedom of movement. They also offer access to a growing library of games and applications, making them versatile for both gaming and other industries.
2. How does Meta plan to compete with established game consoles?
Meta aims to dominate the VR market by focusing on releasing AAA titles exclusively for its Quest platform. By bringing popular franchises and immersive experiences to their headsets, Meta is positioning itself as a genuine competitor to established game consoles.
3. What challenges does Meta face in its pursuit of dominating the VR market?
One significant challenge is the absence of major first-party titles on the Quest platform. Unlike PlayStation and Xbox, Meta’s Quest platform lacked a strong presence of AAA games. However, Meta is addressing this challenge by securing partnerships with popular franchises and developing its own exclusive titles.
Advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages:
1. Wireless and untethered VR experience, providing freedom of movement.
2. Growing library of games and applications, catering to various industries.
3. Meta’s focus on AAA titles and immersive experiences enhances gaming and entertainment possibilities.
Disadvantages:
1. Lack of major first-party titles in the past, limiting the platform’s appeal.
2. Meta’s upcoming Orion smart glasses, promising a true AR experience, are still years away from being consumer-ready, potentially delaying their entry into the market.
3. Price could be a consideration, with advanced features and components in Meta’s products potentially resulting in a higher cost for consumers.
Suggested related links:
1. Meta
2. Meta Quest 3
