What's Happening?
Meta has announced that the number of active users on its Quest platform reached an all-time high in 2025, with over 100 apps generating more than $1 million in gross revenue. This announcement was made by Chris Pruett, Meta's Director of Games, during
the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2026. Despite recent closures of several VR game studios and layoffs, Meta is emphasizing its continued commitment to virtual reality (VR). Pruett highlighted that Quest usage has been increasing annually, and 2025 marked the highest number of unique users in the platform's history. Additionally, the Horizon Store saw a slight increase in revenue compared to the previous year, despite 2025 not being a new headset release year. The company also noted a 10% growth in in-app payments, with paid app sales remaining the largest revenue driver.
Why It's Important?
The growth in Quest users and revenue is significant for the VR industry, indicating a sustained interest and investment in VR technology despite challenges. Meta's ability to maintain and grow its user base and revenue streams suggests that VR is becoming more mainstream, with diverse applications and audiences. This growth could encourage further investment and development in VR technologies, potentially leading to more innovative and immersive experiences for users. The success of Meta's Horizon+ subscription program, which paid out nearly $20 million to developers, highlights the potential for subscription models in the gaming industry. This trend could influence other companies to explore similar business models, impacting how games are monetized and consumed.
What's Next?
Looking forward, Meta is focusing on understanding and catering to distinct user cohorts, such as teenagers, VR elites, and mainstream adults, each with unique preferences and behaviors. As these groups evolve, particularly teenagers who are expected to become core gamers, Meta anticipates a shift towards more sophisticated and polished VR content. This evolution could drive the development of higher-quality VR games and experiences, potentially attracting a broader audience. Meta's continued investment in VR, despite recent studio closures, suggests that the company is strategically positioning itself to capitalize on future growth opportunities in the VR market.
