Meta has announced a partnership with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) to provide live mixed martial arts (MMA) in virtual reality (VR) on their social platform, Horizon Worlds, as revealed in a post on Quest Blog reported by The Verge. Starting this November, UFC Fight Pass subscribers, through Xtadium and YBVR streaming services, will be able to enjoy MMA bouts in stunning 4K resolution and 180-degree VR capture within Horizon Worlds. Meta encourages fans to “Experience the thrill solo or with friends and change viewing perspectives during the fight to enjoy the best angle of every contest.”
Furthermore, users can engage in UFC discussions with other Horizon Worlds members, explore a VR replica of the Octagon, and partake in single or multiplayer games within the virtual world to earn exclusive rewards, all with the ultimate aim of achieving UFC “Hall of Famer” status.
This novel experience is part of Meta’s strategy to entice users to Horizon Worlds. Recently, the company incorporated Quests, designed to retain users by offering mini-games such as Giant Paddle Mini Golf, Arena Clash, and Bad Roommates. Meta also introduced Rumble World, the inaugural installment of many forthcoming Horizon Worlds games with enhanced graphics and intricate gameplay.
Meta’s decision to collaborate with UFC was influenced by the “dynamism and fervor of its fan base,” with the company acknowledging that fans relish not only the fights but the shared experience with fellow enthusiasts. MMA chief content officer Craig Borsari shared, “We piloted this technology with a select few MMA events last year, and now we’re taking it a step further. We’re only beginning to explore how we can leverage this technology to amplify fan engagement and elevate the sport.”
Given Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s known fascination with the sport, UFC is a fitting choice for the platform, although the rumored cage fight between Zuckerberg and Elon Musk remains uncertain. Regardless, the inclusion of live sports could serve as a powerful tool to draw new users to the reportedly waning service. Hence, it will be intriguing to see if Meta incorporates additional sports along with UFC.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Meta UFC VR experience
What is the new UFC-themed VR experience on Meta’s Horizon Worlds?
The UFC-themed VR experience is a collaboration between Meta and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) to bring live mixed martial arts (MMA) action to Meta’s social platform, Horizon Worlds. Launching in November, it allows UFC Fight Pass subscribers to watch fights in 4K resolution and 180-degree VR capture.
How can users engage with the UFC-themed VR experience in Horizon Worlds?
Users can enjoy the fights alone or with friends, switching camera angles for the best views. They can also participate in discussions about UFC with other users, explore a virtual version of the Octagon, and compete in games to earn unlockable rewards and strive for UFC “Hall of Famer” status.
What other features has Meta introduced to Horizon Worlds recently?
Recently, Meta introduced Quests and a game called Rumble World to Horizon Worlds. Quests include mini-games like Giant Paddle Mini Golf, Arena Clash, and Bad Roommates. Rumble World represents the first of many next-gen Horizon Worlds games featuring enhanced graphics and more complex gameplay.
Why did Meta choose to partner with UFC for this VR experience?
Meta chose UFC due to the enthusiastic engagement and passion of UFC’s audience. The company noted that fans enjoy not just the fights but also sharing the experience with other fans. This collaboration also aligns with CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s interest in the sport.
Does this mean that Meta will incorporate live sports into Horizon Worlds?
While it’s not confirmed, the inclusion of live sports like UFC could potentially attract new users to the service. The UFC partnership could be a stepping stone towards more live sports content on Horizon Worlds in the future.
More about Meta UFC VR experience
- Meta’s announcement on Quest Blog
- More about UFC
- Introduction to Horizon Worlds
- Overview of Meta’s partnerships
5 comments
it’s about time we get some more immersive experiences in Horizon Worlds, been waiting for something like this.
I’m not a big UFC fan, but the multi-player games sound fun. might just give it a try.
man this is cool! Can’t wait to watch UFC in VR. This is next-level stuff right here!
I’m all for the tech advancements, but what about people who get motion sickness from VR? Gotta consider all users here.
eh, would be more excited if it was boxing instead of UFC, but thats just me I guess