Meta is dropping Facebook Login as its metaverse ID system and replacing it with Meta Account. Facebook is still one of Meta’s key forms of revenue. However, it seems the company doesn’t want the social media platform to play a central role in its Web3 endeavors. Meta will utilise a new login system, which the company plans to launch next month, to allow users to sign up and log in to Meta Quest headsets. Over time, the company may integrate Meta Accounts into other Meta devices.
Consumers will be able to link their Meta account to their Instagram and Facebook accounts should they like to. While Facebook frowns on users holding multiple accounts, users will be welcome to have multiple Meta accounts.
The change in login systems is in response to VR gamers who argue the inefficiency of needing to log in to social media to access games. Other VR users shared concerns for privacy issues created by joining their accounts.
Along with the change over to Meta accounts, those using Meta VR headset will now also need to create a Meta Horizon Profile in lieu of an Oculus account. Meta Horizon Profiles will be the source of players’ usernames and avatars for Quest. These profiles will also utilize a ‘follower’ model rather than a ‘friends’ model, which may indicate the company is attempting to bring TikTok elements to its VR platform, as it tried but ultimately failed to do with Facebook.
Meta accounts for adults will default to Friends and Family mode, while accounts registered to users aged 13-17 will default to Private.
The Meta Blues
While Meta remains a forerunner of metaverse and VR technology, the company has been having a rough time of late. Meta recently reduced its engineering hires by 30 per cent and is leaving specific roles unfilled to reduce hiring further. Beyond this, Meta is shutting down its digital wallet service Novi on September 1, 2022 and is urging users to withdraw their funds as soon as possible.
Jack Brassell is a freelance journalist and aspiring novelist. Jack is a self-proclaimed nerd with a lifelong passion for storytelling. As an author, Jack writes mostly horror and young adult fantasy. Also an avid gamer, she works as the lead news editor at Hardcore Droid. When she isn't writing or playing games, she can often be found binge-watching Parks & Rec or The Office, proudly considering herself to be a cross between Leslie Knope and Pam Beasley.