Meta seeks to reinvigorate its metaverse strategy, the company plans to leverage generative AI in virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality games.
A recent job listing has given away the message that Meta's goal is to explore and develop “new consumer experiences” powered by generative AI. These experiences would introduce gameplay that changes every time it is played and follows indeterminate paths.
The primary focus of this endeavor will be Meta's Horizon ecosystem, which encompasses a wide range of metaverse games, apps, and creation resources.
However, the company's ambition may extend beyond its own platform, as it considers partnering with third-party creators and vendors to bring generative AI-powered tools to smartphones and PCs.
Meta's Efforts in Advancing Gaming Innovation
Meta's commitment to advancing gaming innovation is evident in its recent strategic moves. The company has shifted its metaverse platform strategy, allowing third-party headset manufacturers to license certain software-based features of its Quest headset.
This strategy aims to broaden the reach of Meta's gaming ecosystem and provide more opportunities for developers to create immersive gaming experiences.
Moreover, Meta has increased its investments in metaverse game projects, most notably due to CEO Mark Zuckerberg's personal interest in gaming Quest headsets.
Interestingly, Meta has showcased generative AI tools in the past, indicating its long-standing interest in leveraging this technology.
For instance, Zuckerberg presented Builder Bot, a prototype that allows users to build virtual worlds by describing them using prompts. Additionally, Meta's CTO and Reality Labs head, Andrew Bosworth, highlighted the potential of generative AI in leveling the playing field and enabling small teams to compete with larger studios.
Meta has recently announced plans to spend billions on developing generative AI products. The company aims to leverage generative AI in various applications, including the creation of AI characters and ads.
However, Meta's CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, tempered expectations by cautioning that it may take "years" for the investments in generative AI to generate significant returns.
To support its generative AI initiatives, Meta has also formed an elite team dedicated to developing products powered by generative AI.
While Meta forges ahead with its AI integration efforts, it faces several challenges in implementing and incorporating these technologies.
One such challenge arose when Brazil's data protection authority banned Meta from using Brazilians' data to train AI models, citing privacy concerns. This setback resulted in a significant loss of $3.8 billion in Meta's metaverse division.
What’s more, the authority ordered the immediate suspension of Meta's new privacy policy, which could lead to substantial fines for non-compliance.
In response to the ban, Meta expressed disappointment and acknowledged the possibility of AI delivery delays for Brazilian users. With over 102 million active users on Facebook in Brazil, the country represents a crucial market for Meta.