Alongside the new engine, Meta is rolling out Meta Horizon Studio, a powerful editor designed to simplify the creation of virtual worlds. This tool allows creators to craft custom VR environments using intuitive interfaces and generative AI features. At Connect 2025, a demo showcased a developer interacting with an AI chatbot to modify environments and tweak NPC personalities in real time. The studio, set to launch in beta soon, already supports AI-generated textures and audio, with plans to integrate an agentic AI assistant later this year to further streamline development.
Faster, Bigger, and More Connected
The Horizon Engine addresses key limitations of the previous system, particularly in performance and scalability. Meta claims it loads worlds four times faster than the Unity-based runtime, enabling near-instant access to complex environments. The ability to support 100 users in a single instance marks a significant leap, fostering larger, more dynamic social interactions. This upgrade is critical for Horizon Worlds, which aims to compete with platforms like Roblox by offering expansive, community-driven virtual spaces accessible on Quest headsets, mobile devices, and the web.
AI-Driven Creativity at Scale
Meta’s focus on AI within Horizon Studio is transforming how creators build virtual experiences. The generative AI tools already available allow for rapid creation of textures and audio, reducing the technical barriers for non-expert developers. The upcoming agentic AI assistant will take this further, enabling creators to make real-time adjustments through natural language prompts. For instance, a creator could request a snowy mountain backdrop or a friendlier NPC, and the AI would execute these changes seamlessly. This approach democratizes VR development, making it accessible to a broader range of creators, from hobbyists to professional studios.
A Strategic Push for the Metaverse
Meta’s investment in Horizon Worlds reflects its long-term commitment to the metaverse, despite past challenges. The platform, initially launched in 2021 as a Roblox-like social VR space, has faced criticism for limited accessibility and technical constraints. However, recent expansions to mobile and web platforms, coupled with a $50 million creator fund announced earlier this year, show Meta’s determination to grow its ecosystem. The Horizon Engine and Studio are pivotal in this strategy, aiming to attract developers with advanced tools and users with richer, more engaging worlds.
Competing in a Crowded Virtual Space
The upgrades come as Horizon Worlds faces stiff competition from established platforms like Roblox and emerging VR experiences. By replacing Unity with a custom engine and introducing AI-driven tools, Meta is positioning Horizon Worlds as a leader in immersive social platforms. The ability to host larger groups and deliver high-fidelity graphics could draw users away from competitors, while the studio’s ease of use may encourage a new wave of creators to build within Meta’s ecosystem. As the metaverse evolves, these advancements could set a new standard for virtual interaction.
