Facebook owner Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:FB) has launched a subscription service for virtual reality (VR) headsets in a move intended to combat the rollout of Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s pricier devices.
Meta will charge US$7.99 monthly or US$55.99 a year to use its Quest+ service, with subscribing users able to download two games to use on the company’s headsets each month.
Dubbing the subscription as “the most affordable way to grow your library with killer content,” Meta’s system of monthly downloads is similar to Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)’s Xbox game pass and Sony Group Corp (NYSE:SONY)’s PlayStation Plus gaming deals.
Meta faced a loss of US$4bn (£3.1bn) across its VR wing in the first three months of the year, with the paid service marking a fresh attempt to further monetise the technology.
The company’s headsets are significantly cheaper than rival Apple’s, with Meta charging between US$300 and US$1,000, compared to Apple's US$3,499.
Chief executive Mark Zuckerberg previously spoke of the company’s ambition to create a ‘metaverse’ in 2021, where people could game, work and communicate virtually.
He later described artificial intelligence as “key” in developing the virtual world in February last year.
Like similar gaming subscriptions, users will only have access to their downloaded titles as long as they keep paying the monthly charges.