Meta has confirmed layoffs within its Reality Labs division, impacting teams working on several key projects. While the exact number of employees affected remains undisclosed, sources indicate that the cuts targeted Oculus Studios, Meta’s internal game development arm for Quest headsets, and teams involved in hardware development. This includes the Supernatural VR fitness app, a $400 million acquisition Meta successfully defended against an antitrust lawsuit. A post in the official Supernatural Facebook group mentions the changes are designed to improve efficiency and focus on the future of fitness.
Meta spokesperson Tracy Clayton stated that these structural shifts aim to enhance efficiency in creating future mixed reality experiences. The company maintains its commitment to mixed reality investments, including fitness and gaming, emphasizing its dedication to providing top-tier experiences for both the Quest and Supernatural communities.
This news comes as Quest sales continue to underperform, despite the recent release of the Quest 3S and its current sale price reduction. While sales of Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses have exceeded expectations, the challenges in the VR market remain apparent. This latest round of layoffs adds to Meta’s ongoing restructuring efforts, following previous pronouncements of further cuts targeting low performers. The impact of these changes on the future direction of Meta’s VR and AR ambitions remains to be seen, but the move clearly signals a period of adjustment and renewed focus within the Reality Labs division.
