## Meta Reorients Reality Labs: Strategic Shifts and Workforce Adjustments
Meta, the tech giant formerly known as Facebook, is reportedly undergoing a significant restructuring within its Reality Labs division, the very heart of its ambitious virtual and augmented reality endeavors. This strategic pivot signals a re-evaluation of resources and priorities as the company navigates the evolving landscape of immersive technologies.
### Significant Workforce Reductions Impacting VR Development
According to reports from reputable news outlets, Meta is implementing substantial layoffs, affecting approximately 10% of its Reality Labs workforce. This division, instrumental in pioneering the company’s metaverse vision, is home to a substantial talent pool. The cuts are estimated to impact over 1,000 individuals, a considerable portion of Reality Labs’ roughly 15,000 employees.
#### Targeted Studio Closures and Team Restructuring
Adding to the workforce adjustments, several key studios within Reality Labs are slated for closure. This includes prominent names like Armature Studio, Twisted Pixel, and Sanzaru, all of which have contributed to the development of VR titles. Furthermore, a specialized technical unit, Oculus Studios Central Technology, focused on groundbreaking VR game development, will also be discontinued.
These moves were reportedly communicated internally during a critical in-person meeting on January 14th, as highlighted by Meta’s CTO and head of Reality Labs, Andrew Bosworth.
### Augmented Reality Remains a Key Focus
While the VR development arm faces significant changes, it’s crucial to note that the job cuts are not expected to affect teams dedicated to augmented reality (AR). This distinction underscores Meta’s continued, and perhaps intensified, commitment to developing AR glasses and innovative controller technologies. The financial resources freed up by these reductions are reportedly being redirected to bolster AR development efforts.
### A Broader Strategic Shift Towards AI
This restructuring within Reality Labs occurs against the backdrop of Meta’s accelerated investment in Artificial Intelligence (AI). Since rebranding in 2021 with a laser focus on the metaverse, the company has strategically shifted resources. Evidence of this reorientation includes the relocation of Vishal Shah, the former head of the metaverse, to oversee AI products as a vice president. Last year also saw the establishment of Meta’s Superintelligence Labs, a move bolstered by the recruitment of top AI talent, including Alexandr Wang from Scale AI. The company has been actively pursuing leading researchers from other institutions, offering lucrative packages to attract them to Meta’s AI initiatives.
Meta has not yet issued an immediate comment regarding these developments.