What is the story about?
What's Happening?
Meta has introduced an Indie Catalog to its Horizon+ subscription service for Quest headsets, allowing developers to apply for inclusion rather than waiting for an invitation. The Horizon+ subscription, priced at $8 per month, currently offers two redeemable games and a rotating Games Catalog. The new Indie Catalog aims to support smaller titles, with specific criteria for inclusion. Games must be paid apps on the Horizon Store, have a minimum number of reviews and active users, and meet revenue thresholds. Meta is beta testing this feature, providing developers with a share of subscription revenue based on game performance.
Why It's Important?
The addition of an Indie Catalog to Horizon+ represents Meta's commitment to supporting independent developers and diversifying content available to Quest users. This move could enhance the visibility and financial viability of smaller games, encouraging innovation and creativity within the VR industry. By offering developers a share of subscription revenue, Meta provides an alternative revenue stream that may be more lucrative than traditional sales. This initiative could attract more developers to the platform, expanding the range of experiences available to consumers and potentially boosting the adoption of VR technology.
What's Next?
Developers interested in joining the Indie Catalog can apply through the Meta Developer Dashboard, with the potential for their games to reach a wider audience. Meta's ongoing beta testing will likely refine the program's criteria and processes, ensuring a smooth integration of indie titles into the subscription service. As the Indie Catalog evolves, Meta may adjust revenue-sharing models and explore additional ways to support developers. The success of this initiative could influence other VR platforms to adopt similar strategies, fostering a more inclusive and dynamic ecosystem for virtual reality content.
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