Meta is testing a members-only world for its Horizon Worlds metaverse platform.
These new closed spaces will allow people to build curated worlds for a select community of users, available as members-only worlds. Meta is starting with a limited alpha test to offer its creators a level of autonomy to grow and moderate their own communities.
These worlds will add to the existing spaces for creators on the platform. There are the standard public worlds where lots of users can come together to meet up. However, Meta is also looking at personal spaces. These are more private experiences where the users can control who can gain access. With these new members-only experiences, users will have access to worlds that are limited to 150 world members and 25 concurrent visitors.
VIP treatment in Horizon Worlds
Hand-picked members of the test will be able to offer exclusive and unique experiences. They will be able to grant exclusive access to VIP supporters and create a dedicated space to showcase their world design portfolio to the creator of the community. This is all in addition to other experiences such as hosting book clubs or gathering a gaming group.
This can all be experienced without unwanted visors as members have full control over who has access to their worlds. Creators can then ensure that they are offering an experience where people can build their connections and grow the community. The members-only worlds feel like somewhat of an expansion of personal spaces, with larger areas being invitation only.
Given concerns of harassment in the metaverse, it’s important that online spaces develop a sense of public and private spaces. This way users can explore public spaces to meet or build while knowing that there are more private spaces that only people they choose to visit can gain access. Meta also noted in the blog post that Horizon Worlds would soon be available on the web and mobile devices.
Paige Cook is a writer with a multi-media background. She has experience covering video games and technology and also has freelance experience in video editing, graphic design, and photography. Paige is a massive fan of the movie industry and loves a good TV show, if she is not watching something interesting then she's probably playing video games or buried in a good book. Her latest addiction is virtual photography and currently spends far too much time taking pretty pictures in games rather than actually finishing them.
