Meta spins out VR fitness game Supernatural as independent company
Original: Meta mercifully spun out VR fitness game Supernatural instead of just killing it
Why This Matters
Shows Meta's shifting VR strategy and demonstrates user community power in preserving beloved apps
Meta has spun off its VR fitness game Supernatural into an independent company called Supernatural Health after initially planning to shut down new content development. The move comes after user protests and follows Meta's $400 million acquisition of Within in 2023.
Meta acquired VR fitness game studio Within for approximately $400 million in 2023 after an eight-month antitrust battle with the FTC. Despite the significant investment, Meta later laid off much of its VR team and announced it would stop adding new content to Supernatural. Following user protests against the app's fate, Meta decided to spin off the Supernatural team into an independent company called Supernatural Health, which will take over the app later this year. The original founders are leading the new company, maintaining the same coaches and fitness-focused approach. Supernatural Health stated they are 'grateful for the platform and resources Meta provided during a critical growth phase' and that the transition reflects a belief the community is best served by an independent team.