Meta has developed new tools on “Horizon Worlds” for creators to make money

Horizon Worlds, Meta’s social metaverse platform for Quest VR headsets, is soon going to be available on mobile phones and maybe even game consoles. The company says it is now developing new ways for creators to make money on the platform.

Notably, a select few Horizon creators will be allowed to sell virtual items and effects within the worlds they create for others to explore. Meaghan Fitzgerald, the product marketing director for Horizon Worlds, says they can sell everything from access to a VIP area of their world to virtual items like jewellery or special basketballs. Those who live in the United States will also be able to get money from a $10 million fund set up recently by the company to reward people who create the most interesting worlds.

It looks like Meta is following the lead of other 3D social platforms like Roblox and Rec Room, which both let creators sell items that they make. Using this model, Roblox has made a lot of money. Rec Room, on the other hand, is growing quickly and putting a lot of focus on making money for creators as well.

Meta however, claims it will take a “cut” of whatever items creators sell, albeit the exact percentage is a bit complicated. The company will claim a 25% cut of the proportion remaining after platform fees for Horizon purchases. For sites that charge 30%, such as Meta’s own Quest Store for virtual reality titles, the creator will retain slightly more than half of the sale price (the math there being that Meta is taking 25 percent of 70 percent).

For the time being, Horizon’s advertising is limited to a Wendy’s-themed universe that has been dubbed “Wendyverse.” While the focus is currently on helping creators make money, Fitzgerald notes that advertising “may be an area we want to explore in the future.”

The company says it is also launching a “goal-oriented bonus program” to incentivize these creators to apply its tools and flesh out their worlds. In this case, there will be no fees for these bonuses, as they will be paid in full. 

The company’s VR conduct code and restricted content policy for Horizon Worlds will apply to creators who use in-world purchases and take creator bonuses. Those who do not obey the regulations will be withdrawn from the program.