Meta Needs to Enhance Its Store to Better Support Developers

In the world of VR developers, there’s a bit of chaos brewing. The challenge of getting noticed on the Quest platform has left many creators frustrated, leading them to call on Meta for help. Without some intervention, they fear their livelihoods could be at risk. Let me dive into their main concerns, propose some possible fixes, and explain why this discussion is crucial.

The recent transition that merged App Lab into the main Horizon Store stirred up quite a buzz.

### The Issue

For a long time, I’ve been critical of the Meta Store’s practice of relegating indie developers to the “App Lab,” essentially a secondary marketplace. This division created an unofficial tier system, splitting developers into Class A and Class B categories. The dream for many was a level playing field where every developer has a fair shot at publishing their game and gaining visibility. So, when all titles were brought together in the main store, it seemed like a victory.

Yet, issues began to surface quickly. The Horizon Store wasn’t fully equipped for the influx. App Lab had been a melting pot of innovative indie projects as well as less impressive experiments. Post-merge, store pages became cluttered with low-quality shovelware, and users were bombarded with lackluster content suggestions. I recall someone mentioning they got recommended “Orilla Tag,” a blatant clone of the popular Gorilla Tag. One can only imagine what other silly renditions exist. This confusion not only diminishes the game discovery experience but also puts genuinely creative indie efforts under a shadow.

Further complicating matters is the store’s inadequate search functionality. Locating games by partial names often proves more challenging than it should be. The result is potential sales slipping through the cracks because interested players can’t refind a game they glimpsed in a YouTube video but can’t recall perfectly.

### Possible Solutions

A straightforward fix for the search issues seems attainable. Meta could prioritize tweaking these algorithms. Web search technology isn’t new, and certainly, with its resources, Meta could refine it without much hassle.

The recommendation engine, however, has been a longstanding pain point since the days of Gear VR. History is rich with humorous Reddit posts of bizarre game suggestions, which highlight the need for an upgrade. Unlike search, refining game recommendations is a complex task. It involves balancing various factors, like game genre, duration, user reviews, and the player’s past behavior. Meta, a giant in AI technologies, should theoretically be able to tackle this effectively.

A greater challenge lies in striking a balance between highlighting recognized quality games while uncovering underrated indie gems. A naïve solution might be to display all games while prioritizing those from trusted, high-quality developers in search results and featured categories. However, this risks eclipsing new indie talents. An ideal algorithm would need to dynamically suggest a blend of both popular and novel titles and adjust visibility based on genuine user engagement and reviews. This way, deserving games, regardless of their origin, could thrive based on real user interest.

### The Visibility of Horizon Worlds

Another predicament faced by developers is the overshadowing presence of Horizon Worlds. Despite Meta’s hefty investment, Horizon Worlds hasn’t captivated audiences like its counterparts VRChat and Rec Room. Yet, it’s constantly pushed at every turn. Opening the Meta Horizon app or launching the Quest platform surfaces Horizon Worlds experiences first, often sidelining actual games or even pushing them to obscurity. This push isn’t merely annoying for users; it’s a sales deterrent for developers who find themselves competing not just with other games but with Meta’s own social space.

I wonder if there’s a legal angle here too. Promoting Horizon Worlds over other competitive social VR applications might seem unfair, especially with recent legislation in the EU urging gatekeepers not to preferentially showcase their products.

### Recommendations

Meta could consider redesigning the user interface of their companion apps and the Quest system itself, ensuring actual app and game content is prioritized over constantly steering users towards Horizon Worlds. Also, clear segmentation—such as separating Horizon Worlds content from main store searches—could prevent unnecessary clutter and confusion.

A special curated ‘Featured Worlds’ section that spans across all social platforms, including Rec Room and VRChat, could enrich user discovery without competing directly with the primary game offerings. Such an approach would both celebrate diverse virtual experiences and drive exposure to hidden social VR gems.

Meta should further reflect if Horizon Worlds truly aligns with community desires. If a product gains users solely through persistence rather than value, it might signal a misalignment with audience expectations. Perhaps, repositioning and reevaluating Horizon Worlds might yield better market reception.

### The Store Fee Conundrum

The 30% cut Meta takes on transactions remains a sticking point, particularly for smaller teams striving for financial stability. While I understand the costs involved in managing a marketplace and supporting affordable hardware, exploring flexible fee structures could be beneficial. Lowering fees for emerging developers or discounting them based on sales volume might support both new entrants and Meta’s long-term ecosystem health.

### Why It All Matters

You might question why Meta should bother bolstering indie developers when it can bank on high-profile games. The truth is, the charm and growth of a platform often lie in the sheer creativity and variety that indie developers bring. Many beloved VR titles—Beat Saber, Gorilla Tag—began as indie projects. Sustainable growth means offering a fair ecosystem for all creators, big and small. Should developers feel unsupported, the potential exists for them to abandon the platform for greener pastures, especially as other giants like Apple and Google enter the XR arena.

I appreciate Meta’s pivotal role in nurturing a vibrant XR space. Yet, collaboration across all stakeholders is vital for future success. This includes Meta ensuring it provides supportive conditions for developers, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship. Such commitment today could secure Meta’s leading position tomorrow.

Remember, any changes and cooperation can drive the XR sector forward, benefiting both developers and Meta in the long run. Here’s hoping that everyone involved can work towards a thriving future together.