The Horizon Worlds metaverse could soon become accessible on all operating systems and hardware platforms, and not just the Quest VR headsets. Meta is actively developing a web version of the social metaverse, which could work on all devices or any hardware that supports a web browser.
After Meta VP of Horizon Vivek Sharma confirmed that the Horizon Worlds metaverse will arrive on smartphones “later this year”, Meta CTO Andrew “Boz” Bosworth has confirmed on Twitter that the virtual world will get a web version. This essentially means users or subscribers will be able to access the platform on desktop PCs, laptops, smartphones, and even gaming consoles.
Although a web version would be a huge evolution for Horizon Worlds, it is not clear when Meta will offer the platform to devices other than the Quest VR headsets. Meta spokesperson Iska Saric has reportedly said there were “no timing details to share at this time”.
When Horizon’s web version launches, the Horizon platform fee will only be 25%—a much lower rate compared to other similar world-building platforms.
— Boz (@boztank) April 14, 2022
It appears Meta is trying to deflect or minimize the backlash to the seemingly excessive commission it will charge developers for selling virtual items in the metaverse. Meta revealed it would take a 25 percent cut of the percentage left after any platform fees for all purchases within the Horizon Worlds metaverse.
25% for Horizon. If the platform underneath it takes a cut the 25% comes after that. So if the platform underneath takes 30% as many do (Apple, Google, Oculus) it comes out to 47.5% total, similar to the Roblox and YouTube rates.
— Boz (@boztank) April 14, 2022
The Horizon Worlds metaverse platform has a web app, while Meta has its own Quest Store. Hence, any developer hoping to sell a virtual item would end up paying a whopping 47.5% commission to Meta as the deal will go through both marketplaces.
Apple takes 30% of software and a significant margin on their devices. They’ve capitalized on their market power to favor their own business interests, which comes at great expense to developers. https://t.co/ZPjgLR8Woq
— Boz (@boztank) April 14, 2022
However, with a web version, developers will have to pay “just” 25% commission, confirmed Boz. The Tweet claims the commission Meta is charging is lower than “other world-building platforms”. It appears he was referring to Roblox, which pays developers just 28.1 percent of each dollar. Simply put, the “Meta Toll” might seem excessive in comparison to the 30% commission Apple and Google charge, but it is lower than Horizon Worlds’ actual competitor.