There’s a bit of a storm brewing in the world of VR developers, and it’s all about the difficulties they’re facing in getting their games noticed on Quest. Indie developers are collectively raising their voices, urging Meta to step in before they potentially have to shut shop. So, let’s dive into what’s causing this unrest, explore some potential solutions, and understand why this issue matters so much.
The Merging of App Lab
The Problem
I’ve never been a fan of how the Meta Store has been organized, placing indie developers in the "App Lab" section, essentially creating a divide between the so-called top-tier and second-tier developers. It just doesn’t seem right. Every developer deserves a fair shot at getting their game out there and seen by the community, hoping for that breakthrough moment. So, naturally, when App Lab was folded into the main Quest Horizon Store, I was thrilled.
However, the merge seems like it caught the Horizon Store off guard. App Lab was a mix of hidden gems and, frankly, some subpar experiments. Post-merge, users began grumbling about their store homepages being flooded with shovelware, with recommendations pushing lackluster content. One frustrated user even mentioned being directed towards "Orilla Tag," a blatant Gorilla Tag rip-off. You can only imagine if there are versions named "Rilla Tag" or "Illa Tag," ending with the worst of the lot simply called "G." Clearly, the recommendation system is flawed, showcasing more garbage than quality indie creations.
If I try to look for "Hitmotion", I don’t find my game "Hitmotion: Reloaded"
Plus, let’s talk about the store’s Search Engine. Finding a game by just part of its name can be a headache. Sometimes the game you’re looking for is nowhere in sight. You might have seen it in a YouTube video a few days back, remembered a sliver of its name, and want to check it out. But alas, it’s hidden in the digital maze, costing developers precious sales.
A Possible Solution
Fixing the search issues isn’t rocket science. In the age of advanced web algorithms, Meta should be able to prioritize this and get it sorted.
As for the recommendation engine, this one’s a chronic issue, harking back to the Gear VR days when folks received absurd notifications like, "Since you enjoyed Arizona Sunshine, try Hello Kitty Word 2000." Let’s finally address this.
Makes totally sense, thanks Meta (Image by Reddit user quiken4)
Suggesting content isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal. You have various factors—game genre, length, reviews, user history—to weigh before picking what to recommend. It’s complicated, but for Meta, a pioneer in AI, this should be a doable endeavor.
The Visibility of Horizon Worlds
The Problem
This is what I see when I open the Meta Horizon app on my smartphone: those are all Horizon Worlds worlds
Meta has long sought the holy grail of a winning Social VR app. Enter: Horizon Worlds. Despite the promotional blitz, it’s never really hit it big. Rivals like VRChat and Rec Room still take the crown. So, in a bid to make Horizon dominant, Meta’s weaving it into every possible interaction you have with the ecosystem. From your Quest headset to your phone, Horizon Worlds is inescapable.
For developers, this is a sore spot. Their projects not only vie with other games but also with Horizon Worlds’ free offerings, sometimes even losing out to low-quality clones. This is making it harder to sell new content on the Meta Store.
From a legal standpoint, I’m no attorney, but isn’t it a bit sketchy for Meta to push its social VR spaces while competitors’ offerings, like VRChat, don’t get the same treatment? The EU’s Digital Markets Act is cracking down on big players favoring their products this way. Meta could find itself under a regulatory microscope.
A Possible Solution
The Meta Horizon app needs a usability overhaul, putting real store content back in the spotlight across all platforms. The search function should stick to its domain, listing actual store entries, not Horizon Worlds destinations.
Why not create a "Featured Worlds" section prominently featuring standout experiences from all social VR spaces? It would give the spotlight to deserving gems from any service, leveling the playfield for social VR developers.
Plus, Meta should seriously ask if Horizon Worlds is what users want. If it requires constant prodding to attract users, it might not align with what VR fans are truly after. The numbers speak for themselves—Horizon Worlds isn’t leading the pack. Corporate giants like Google Chrome skyrocketed because they genuinely offered unmatched utility. It’s time for some self-reflection, Meta.
The Store Cut
The Problem
A 30% cut from all store transactions is steep, more so for indie teams eking out a sustainable model.
A Possible Solution
Managing a store isn’t free, plus Meta subsidizes inexpensive hardware through its store revenue. So, scrapping the fee isn’t a viable ask.
Instead, why not adopt a more nuanced approach? Offer a reduced fee during a product or company’s initial phase or for lower sales figures. Recognizing startups and small teams could foster a supportive ecosystem.
The Horizon Feed and Horizon Store inside my headset
You might question why Meta should prioritize indie developers when it has big guns like Asgard’s Wrath 2. But the heart of VR is its indie community—pumping in fresh ideas and innovation. Legends like Beat Saber and Gorilla Tag sprouted from small studios. If Meta wants its platform to thrive, it entails keeping these developers happy. "Happy" means ample users picking up and paying for their creations, keeping the wheels of innovation turning.
Consider what the future holds. New competition from companies like Apple and Google could lure developers away if Meta doesn’t adapt. Financial opportunities abound, even outside traditional VR, from enterprise solutions to other burgeoning tech fields. Developers stick around because of passion, not just practicality.
Happens every time…
Let’s not forget, I genuinely appreciate what Meta has brought to XR—the Quest headset and a viable ecosystem. But for XR to succeed, collective effort is key. Meta should assist developers in thriving, even if that means some short-term sacrifices. The potential long-term gains are worth it for all parties involved.
(Header image by Meta)
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