Meta releases social VR space Horizon Worlds

Meta has released its social virtual reality space, Horizon Worlds, after more than a year in private test mode.

It is the first major such release since Facebook renamed itself Meta and announced its plans to “build the metaverse” of connected digital worlds.

The app lets users build their own mini-games and activities on top of Meta’s base game — similar to Roblox or other creator-focused apps.

There is no way for creators to make money directly from their worlds.

Instead, Meta has put $10m (£7.6m) into a “creator fund” to reward community creators who win competitions. That is different from apps such as Roblox, where creators can sell their games for in-app currency.

Horizon Worlds is, however, free to players using an Oculus Quest 2 headset sold by Meta.

Anyone aged 18 and over can create a legless, floating VR avatar — the same style as Meta is using in its workplace-focused meeting system — and get started.