Meta Layoffs Impact Oculus Studios and Supernatural VR Fitness App
Meta announced layoffs on Thursday within its Reality Labs division, responsible for virtual and augmented reality projects. The cuts affect employees at Oculus Studios, which develops apps and games for Meta's Quest headsets, including the popular VR fitness app, Supernatural.
While Meta did not disclose the exact number of employees impacted, the company confirmed that the layoffs affect teams working on Quest products. In a statement to TechCrunch, Meta explained,
"Some teams within Oculus Studios are undergoing shifts in structure and roles that have impacted team size. These changes are meant to help Studios work more efficiently on future mixed reality experiences for our growing audience, while still delivering great content for people today."
These layoffs follow significant financial losses within Reality Labs. The division reportedly lost almost $5 billion in the last quarter of 2024 while generating only about $1 billion in sales. This continues a trend of substantial operating losses for Reality Labs since Meta's rebranding and increased focus on the "metaverse."
Impact on Supernatural and Future of VR Fitness
For Supernatural users, the layoffs mean fewer new workouts per week. However, each workout will now be offered at various skill levels, expanding accessibility beyond the previous single difficulty level. A Facebook post reassured users that the app's coaching staff will not be affected by the layoffs.
Meta's Cost-Cutting Measures and Upcoming Earnings Report
These layoffs come ahead of Meta's first-quarter earnings report next week, where the company is likely to face scrutiny over the mounting costs of Reality Labs. Meta stated that affected employees will have the opportunity to apply for other positions within the company.
Meta acquired Within, the company behind Supernatural, in 2023. The recent layoffs raise questions about the future of VR fitness and Meta's overall strategy for its Reality Labs division.
