Meta Monetises Horizon Worlds

This week, Meta announced the testing of two creator features that allow metaverse monetisation in its Horizon Worlds platform. The features will let creators sell virtual items in their own custom world and earn bonuses based on their progress toward certain predetermined goals. 

These innovations pave the way for Meta’s future metaverse economy. But what exactly are these new tools and how will they benefit you?

Let’s take a look at how you will be able to start earning money with these new Horizon World tools.

Selling Virtual Goods in Horizon Worlds

The first of these new features allows creators to sell their own virtual goods in their world. These items could be anything from avatar upgrades such as digital clothing to specialist tools for use in the creator’s specific premium locations. One example of this could be a key that allows access to additional features or adventures in a creator’s world.

Of course, creators will need to pay fees to Meta for using this service. This will include a hardware platform fee such as to the Meta Quest Store as well as a Horizon Worlds fee of 25% of the remainder.

Mark Zuckerberg has recently talked about how when the metaverse evolves, these digital items will be transferable from one world to another. To start with, the plan is to let creators get to grips with creating items that people want and need, to kickstart the economy.

At the moment, the test is open to selected creators and purchases can be made by anyone over the age of 18 in the US or Canada. The platform is yet to launch in the United Kingdom.

Horizon Worlds Creator Bonus

The second piece being tested is the ‘Horizon Worlds Creator Bonus’. This will include monthly goal-oriented programs that let creators earn bonuses as they hit these targets.Their aim here is to get creators using specific tools and features. Creators that meet monthly goals will receive payouts.

Again, this is a limited test and is designed to encourage creators to find new ways of increasing dwell-time within their worlds. At the moment, this scheme is only available in the United States.

What Else Is New?

In addition to these monetisation tools, Meta has also been busy making updates to improve the world-building process. These changes include access to the scripts used in their PvP mini-game ‘Arena Clash’. and an analytics dashboard that lets creators understand the habits of their world’s visitors.

At the moment, the company is working alongside a select few established Horizon Worlds community members to learn more about the changes they want and need. The feedback they get will be used to inform their future strategy and define what the next round of tools will be.

In other recent news, Meta has added Horizon Worlds to its existing VR training programs. The company is also planning on launching Horizon Worlds 2D devices within the year.

Horizon Worlds launched in December 2022, and currently has over 300,000 users enjoying 10,000 different worlds.