Archive — US — techcrunch
Meta mercifully spun out VR fitness game Supernatural instead of just killing it
Meta has spun out its VR fitness game Supernatural into an independent company, Supernatural Health, after users protested its potential shutdown. After acquiring Within for $400 million amid antitrust battles, Meta decided to stop supporting the game but reversed course following community outcry, allowing its original team to continue developing the app independently.
Key points
- Meta acquired Within for $400 million, aiming to innovate in VR.
- Despite initial investment, Meta later laid off much of its VR team and halted new content for Supernatural.
- User backlash led to Meta allowing Supernatural to be spun out into Supernatural Health, maintaining the original team and game focus.
- Supernatural Health reflects a desire for a dedicated approach to the game, assuring users they would receive ongoing support.
Why it matters
- This incident highlights the challenges tech companies face when balancing innovation with community interests.
- The trend towards independent game studios gaining more control over their products is strengthening as consumers prioritize authenticity.
- In 2023, debates around tech monopolies and user rights continued to grow, culminating in significant regulatory scrutiny.
The transition of Supernatural into an independent entity underscores the importance of user advocacy in the tech industry, suggesting a potential shift toward more user-centered models amid broader scrutiny of big tech's practices.