Imagine pouring your heart and soul (and maybe a hefty monthly subscription fee) into a VR fitness routine, only to find out it's being slowly phased out. That's the reality for fans of Meta's 'Supernatural,' a VR fitness app that's seen its development pipeline abruptly cut off. But here's where it gets controversial: Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is pulling back on new content and features for 'Supernatural,' despite the app's widespread acclaim and a hefty price tag they paid to acquire it.
Stephen Johnson, Senior Staff Writer for Lifehacker, reports that while the existing service will remain accessible to current subscribers, the future of 'Supernatural' looks decidedly bleak. No new workouts, features, or content updates are planned, marking a significant shift in Meta's VR strategy. Johnson is an expert in pop culture and technology, with previous experience at NBC/Universal’s G4TV and contributions to various publications like Blumhouse and Fender Musical Instruments.
Let's recap the key takeaways:
- Meta has ceased development of new content and features for 'Supernatural,' its highly-rated VR fitness app, although the service will remain online for existing subscribers.
- This decision is surprising considering 'Supernatural's' positive reception, awards, and the estimated $400 million Meta spent to acquire it. It even battled the FTC to make the deal!
- The wind-down of 'Supernatural' is part of a larger trend: Meta's apparent retreat from the VR space, or at least a shift in focus.
Users of 'Supernatural' received quite the unwelcome news this week. Meta cited vague "organizational changes" as the reason for halting the development of its flagship VR fitness application. Think of it as your gym suddenly deciding to stop offering new classes, even though everyone loves the existing ones.
The app isn't vanishing entirely, thankfully. Current subscribers can still sweat it out with the existing library of 'Beat Saber'-style workouts. Meta has stated that it will maintain the platform and its Facebook page, but the promise of fresh, innovative fitness experiences is now off the table. And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about the workouts; it's about the community, the motivation, and the feeling of progress that comes with new content.
'Supernatural' garnered almost universal praise from both users and professional critics. CNet gave it a glowing 9/10 review, and it snagged prestigious awards like Fast Company's 'Best App' in 2020 and a Webby Award in 2023. The app even boasted celebrity endorsements from icons like Jane Fonda and Bon Jovi, adding a touch of star power to your virtual workout. While Meta doesn't publicly disclose subscriber numbers for 'Supernatural,' the app's Facebook community boasts over 110,000 members. Apparently, even that wasn't enough to keep the content flowing.
In 2021, Meta shelled out an estimated $400 million to acquire Within, the company that developed 'Supernatural.' This move came after a battle with the FTC, showcasing Meta's commitment to the app and its role in the company's broader "Metaverse" ambitions. It was supposed to be a key piece of the puzzle. What happened?
The demise of 'Supernatural' is indicative of a larger transformation occurring within Meta. The company recently laid off 1,500 employees – approximately 10% of its workforce – from Reality Labs, the division responsible for Meta's hardware and virtual reality endeavors. A Meta spokesperson told The Wall Street Journal, "We said last month that we were shifting some of our investment from Metaverse toward Wearables. This is part of that effort." In other words, they're pivoting from the immersive virtual world to gadgets you can wear on your wrist. But is that really where the future lies?
Adding insult to injury, Meta is also shutting down three studios behind some of the most recognized and high-quality VR games: Armature, the studio that brought 'Resident Evil 4' to VR; Sanzaru, the creators of 'Asgard’s Wrath'; and Twisted Pixel, the masterminds behind 'Deadpool VR.' This suggests a significant scaling back of Meta's VR content creation efforts across the board. So, what does this mean for the future of VR gaming and fitness? Is Meta abandoning the Metaverse dream, or simply re-evaluating its approach?
Here's where it gets controversial: Some argue that Meta's VR strategy was flawed from the start, focusing too much on flashy technology and not enough on compelling content. Others believe that the Metaverse is simply ahead of its time, and that Meta is making a necessary adjustment to stay competitive. What do you think? Is Meta making the right call by scaling back its VR investments, or is it abandoning a promising technology too soon? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
