Meta has introduced a Desktop Editor for Horizon Worlds, offering developers a new platform to create virtual worlds using PC-based tools. The company is shifting away from its original in-headset building tool to improve the quality and ease of world creation.
The Desktop Editor allows creators to design worlds in a Unity-style environment, making the process more familiar to developers accustomed to traditional game engines. Meta encourages creators to adopt this new tool, calling the old VR creation tools “legacy tools” and recommending the Desktop Editor for future development.
Meta aims to attract more users by making Horizon Worlds accessible beyond VR headsets. The platform was made available for mobile and desktop users in 2023, but its user base has remained primarily VR-focused. With the new Desktop Editor, developers no longer need a VR headset to build or publish worlds.
This change comes after a leaked memo from Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth stated that the mobile version of Horizon Worlds must succeed for the company’s long-term plans. To boost engagement, Meta recently launched a $50 million fund to support content creation on the platform.
Meta’s strategy signals a push to appeal to a younger audience, particularly those who prefer free-to-play and socially-driven content. By providing familiar tools and financial incentives, Meta hopes to expand Horizon Worlds and compete in the evolving metaverse landscape.
