While Meta Quest 3 is expected in the fall, Meta is launching what looks like a takeover bid. So from this month it is July The Meta Quest Plus (or Meta Quest+) service offers a selection of virtual reality games on a subscription basis, twice a month. Even if the formula seems to be a good initiative, it still remains unexciting.
For this month of July, shooter Pistol Whip and arcade-inspired game Pixel Ripped 1995 will kick off the dance. Then in August, the peaceful Walkabout Mini Golf and the more restless MOTHERGUNSHIP: FORGE will take over. On Meta’s blog, the editorial line of intent reads as follows:
“It will bring together the greatest hits, hidden gems and classics from our catalogue. It’s the most cost-effective way to expand your library. »
However, two titles a month are not enough to make the audience dream. In addition, as with a Playstation Plus subscription, it is necessary to remain a subscriber to keep the games downloaded in this way. In short, for a price of 9 euros per month or 70 euros per year, you can purchase two games every month at a discounted price that you do not select and to which you lose access if you decide not to pay more Meta Quest Plus. Here’s something to put the good deal in perspective…
This hesitant launch is undoubtedly symptomatic of the lack of quality content related to virtual reality. While we have a feeling that Sony’s PSVR2 is struggling to take off due to the small product range, the observation from Meta (and by the way also HTC or PICO, other competitors in this market) is not much different). Even if the American company wants to be one step ahead of its competitors, it cannot boast of a strong position.
The problem of virtual reality for the general public always seems to be a snake biting its tail: no content, little home appliances and no home appliances little prospects for investment and revenue to encourage content creation. We feel that with the formula of Meta Quest Plusit is a step in the right direction, but probably very insufficient to revolutionize the market.
Last detail and last but not least: the service does not seem to be accessible from France at the moment. Without more information on the matter, it remains to be seen whether this is simply a delay in setting up the service, or whether it will be necessary to wait several months for the formula to be operational with us.