For over a decade now, the experience of wearing a VR headset has been a familiar story – easy, but not as effortless as staring at a screen. Despite advancements, Meta acknowledges that Quest developers should consider creating bite-sized VR games to address the challenges of donning a headset.
The introduction of Quest 3S in late 2024 marked a shift in the platform’s user demographic towards a younger audience who are more inclined to make in-app purchases. This shift has led to the popularity of free-to-play titles like Gorilla Tag, Animal Company, and Yeeps, consistently dominating Quest’s top-earning charts.
Meta is now offering detailed guidance to developers on achieving success post the demographic change, emphasizing the importance of creating VR games that are easily consumable. According to Meta, games should be optimized for 20-40 minutes of gameplay, falling within the “Goldilocks Zone.”
The ideal VR sessions should be short enough for users to exit without feeling abrupt, yet engaging enough to prevent fatigue from prolonged use, Meta suggests. The challenges of headset setup, comfort, and controller readiness contribute to the overall friction of VR gaming.
Meta advises developers to strike a balance between gameplay length and engagement, stating that sessions should be long enough to provide a satisfying experience without causing discomfort. The company’s research indicates that sessions under 15-20 minutes are perceived as less enjoyable, highlighting the importance of session duration in user satisfaction.
Moreover, Meta stresses the significance of keeping sessions under 40 minutes, as longer durations may not necessarily enhance enjoyment and could be impractical for daily use. The company acknowledges the physical discomfort and potential side effects of extended VR sessions, underscoring the need for moderation.
While addressing the challenges of VR gaming, Meta also hints at the possibility of a new XR headset in the near future, featuring a sleek and lightweight design reminiscent of glasses and a tethered compute puck. This signals Meta’s continuous innovation in the VR space, aiming to enhance user experience and accessibility.
