What's Happening?
Meta has integrated Beat Saber, a popular VR rhythm game, into its Horizon+ subscription service. While the base game is now accessible to subscribers, the extensive DLC content remains behind a paywall. The base game includes 62 free songs, but the 239
additional songs from various music packs require separate purchases. Horizon+ subscribers must continue paying the monthly or annual fee to retain access to the games, with new Quest 3 and Quest 3S purchases offering a three-month trial.
Why It's Important?
The inclusion of Beat Saber in Horizon+ is a strategic move by Meta to enhance the value of its subscription service, potentially attracting more users. By offering the base game for free, Meta aims to increase its subscriber base and encourage users to purchase additional content. This approach could boost revenue from both subscriptions and DLC sales. However, the decision to keep DLC content paywalled may lead to mixed reactions from users who prefer a more inclusive subscription model.
What's Next?
Meta's strategy with Horizon+ could lead to increased competition among VR subscription services, prompting other companies to enhance their offerings. The success of this model may influence Meta's future content distribution strategies, possibly leading to more games being added to Horizon+. Additionally, Meta's focus on subscription services could signal a shift in its business model, prioritizing recurring revenue streams over one-time game sales.
