Section 1.1: The Absence of Legs

Entering Horizon Worlds, Meta's whimsical interpretation of the metaverse, you’re greeted by floating torsos without legs. This peculiar sight is unsettling, especially when you see these torso avatars lounging in chairs.

Meta argues that proper foot tracking is necessary to incorporate legs, but I disagree. I've enjoyed games like PUBG and Warzone for years, which manage to depict legs and realistic physics using just a console controller. Trust me, falling does have consequences.

Including legs in the metaverse would enhance the experience and reduce the oddity of floating torsos.

Subsection 1.1.1: More Realism

Meta's metaverse currently appears overly cartoonish. The lack of realistic avatars and environments makes for a juvenile experience. While I understand the potential for misuse with more lifelike avatars, the current design is excessively simplistic.

The buildings and objects in Horizon Worlds resemble drawings by a child. To legitimize any metaverse attempt, it must embrace realism—this is its primary objective.

Section 1.2: Customization Options

In line with the previous point, I desire more customization features in Horizon Worlds. VR Chat, a competing platform, allows for significant avatar customization (and, notably, has avatars with legs). Meta is worth nearly a trillion dollars; surely, they can offer more personalization options.

Section 2.1: Unified Spaces

The metaverse depicted in Snow Crash is a cohesive space from which various "verses" radiate, allowing seamless travel between locations. In contrast, Meta's version resembles traditional web surfing, requiring users to exit and enter loading screens to navigate different worlds.

Finding new experiences is limited to a menu suggesting "Spotlight" and "For You" worlds, leading to a disjointed experience.

I Spent 24 Hours Trapped in the Metaverse | WSJ

This video chronicles a journalist's experience in the metaverse, highlighting both challenges and opportunities for immersive digital environments.

Section 2.2: Age-Appropriate Spaces

A significant concern in Horizon Worlds is the influx of young users. The Oculus Quest 2, Meta's budget-friendly VR headset, was a holiday bestseller, resulting in many children entering Horizon Worlds. As a parent, I limited my son's access after two unsettling experiences.

There should be dedicated spaces for younger users, with moderators ensuring a safe environment. A separate area could function like an IKEA playroom, catering specifically to children.

Section 2.3: Attracting Visitors to Hotspots

Despite its flaws, some remarkable worlds exist in Meta's metaverse, such as comedy clubs and nightclubs. However, these venues often lack visitors.

While the central Plaza is bustling, many unique experiences remain underpopulated. To remedy this, Meta could promote popular spots in the world finder menu, encouraging users to explore vibrant locations.

Section 2.4: Encouraging Open Interaction

While enjoying a comedy show, I was approached by a floating avatar requesting a selfie. This encounter highlighted Facebook's efforts to shield itself from backlash by implementing strict personal space boundaries—no more physical interactions like high-fives or hugs.

This approach contradicts the essence of the metaverse, which should be a space for social interaction and enjoyment. Instead of yielding to pressures, Meta should embrace the diverse nature of virtual environments.

In conclusion, if Facebook can refine its lackluster metaverse offering, it may evolve into something meaningful. The current iteration, Horizon Worlds, is a far cry from a true metaverse experience. Until then, I’ll be at the comedy club, wishing for legs and better interactions.