Meta's CTO: 2025 Crucial for Metaverse Success or Failure

In a leaked internal memo, Meta's CTO Andrew Bosworth emphasized that 2025 will be a pivotal year for the company's metaverse initiatives, describing it as 'the most critical year' in his eight years at Reality Labs. He highlighted the necessity to enhance sales, retention, and engagement, particularly in mixed reality, warning that success in 2025 could determine whether Meta's metaverse efforts are seen as visionary or a 'legendary misadventure.' Bosworth noted that the success of Horizon Worlds on mobile platforms is crucial for Meta's long-term strategy, alongside plans to launch several AI-powered wearable devices. Despite significant investments, including a record $19.9 billion in 2024, Meta's Reality Labs has faced substantial losses, raising questions about the viability of its metaverse vision. The memo reflects a sense of urgency within Meta to demonstrate tangible progress in its ambitious metaverse goals. This restructuring and focus on mixed reality come amid ongoing debates about the future and impact of the metaverse on society.