Will $10 Million and a Rebranding Help Jumpstart Facebook Horizon?

Today, Facebook is announcing that its VR project formerly known as Horizon, a social app where people can create games and experiences to share in together, is being renamed Horizon Worlds. It will remain separate from Horizon Workrooms, a productivity focused sister app. Facebook is also announcing a new $10 million fund for Horizon Worlds creators.

This is a big deal. Judging by the experience of existing VR social apps, like VRChat or Rec Room, social apps are likely to get the most consistent engagement from VR users. Facebook, which wants to extend its social media dominance into VR, needs to come up with its own VR social app that works. But here’s the problem. Even after the rebranding, it’s clear that Horizon Worlds—which remains a closed beta—needs more time in the oven. And there’s no sign that Facebook is prepared to deal with the potential content moderation nightmare Horizon Worlds has in store.