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Meta is formally sectioning off Horizon Worlds, the closest thing it has to a metaverse, from its Quest VR platform, according to a new blog post from Samantha Ryan, Meta's VP of Content, Reality Labs. While the decision runs counter to Meta's original plan to own an immersive virtual world that could serve as the future home for all online interaction, it fits with the recent cuts it made to its costly Reality Labs division, and Mark Zuckerberg's public commitment to focus the company on AI hardware like smart glasses going forward.
"We�re explicitly separating our Quest VR platform from our Worlds platform in order to create more space for both products to grow," Ryan writes in the blog post. "We�re doubling down on the VR developer ecosystem while shifting the focus of Worlds to be almost exclusively mobile. By breaking things down into two distinct platforms, we�ll be better able to clearly focus on each."
Meta has been developing mobile and web versions of Horizon Worlds in parallel with its VR app since at least 2023. Switching Worlds to being a mobile-first software platform isn't good for VR diehards, but it does make it a more natural competitor to something like Roblox or Fortnite, which also offer user-created and monetizable worlds and games. It's also a business Meta believes it can more easily scale because of its ability to connect games to "billions of people on the world�s biggest social networks."
While Meta shuttered several of its own VR game studios earlier this year, it still wants to support third-party developers publishing games on its platform. The company says new monetization tools, better discoverability, a "Deals" tab and more ways for developers to talk to their customers should help make a difference. Maintaining the Quest's library of games could also be critical going forward. Business Insider reported in December 2025 that Meta was working on a gaming-focused Quest headset, and Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth confirmed earlier this February that the company still had multiple Quest devices on its roadmap.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ar-vr/metas-metaverse-is-going-mobile-first-233030532.html?src=rssKeep reading...Show less
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Slay the Spire 2 will launch in early access next month. This sequel to the hugely popular 2019 roguelike deckbuilder hits early access on Steam beginning March 5, 2026. Along with releasing the teaser trailer above, developer Mega Crit shared some details about its goals for this phase ahead of the game's official release.
"Slay the Spire requires a lot of player feedback so we can balance content, add quality of life features, and make sure the game runs without issues," the developers explained. "Early Access is also a chance for us to test experimental features, try exotic designs, identify niche problems, and helps us make sure the game is headed in the right direction." Slay the Spire 2 is expected to be in early access for a year or two, or more generally "until the game feels great."
Mega Crit has also revealed that it will be introducing a new co-op mode where up to four people can team up. This gameplay option will feature some unique cards just for multiplayer as well as some team-wide synergies.
Some of the characters from Slay the Spire will be returning for the sequel alongside new ones. For anyone who hasn't yet experienced the original game, Slay the Spire is available on iOS, including as part of Apple Arcade. It's also on consoles and PC.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/slay-the-spire-2-will-enter-early-access-on-march-5-210338514.html?src=rssKeep reading...Show less
Tu peux voir Charlotte Cardin, Jason Derulo & plus pour 90$ à ce festival près de Montréal
June 02 | 2022
Mariana Mazza. Droite : L'International de montgolfières.
Tout au long de l'été, la ville de Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu sur la Rive-Sud de Montréal brille avec ses envolées quotidiennes de montgolfières qui colorent le ciel ainsi que l'International de montgolfières, un festival de neuf jours en août. Le 1er juin marquait d'ailleurs le coup d'envoi des festivités alors que l'équipe derrière l'événement a finalement annoncé la programmation complète.
À la fin mars, on nous présentait déjà deux têtes d'affiche qui seront présentes pour animer la foule durant le dernier week-end de l'événement, soit la chanteuse québécoise Alicia Moffet, les rappeurs Loud et Imposs ainsi que celui qui se cache derrière le récent succès Acapulco, Jason Derulo.
Ce sont entre autres Charlotte Cardin, Hubert Lenoir, Ludacris, The Franklin Electric, Koriass et PETiTOM qui s'ajoutent à la programmation, pour un total de plus de 60 artistes d'ici et d'ailleurs.
Celle qui a été nommée humoriste de l'année au dernier gala Les Olivier, Mariana Mazza, aura même une soirée carte blanche combinant autant l'humour que la musique avec des invité.es comme Martin Vachon, Michelle Desrochers, Stéphane Fallu, Roxane Bruneau, Sarahmée ainsi que Laurence Nerbonne.
Outre les spectacles, les festivalier.ères pourront se promener à travers les différents espaces. Il y aura entre autres un grand bassin où des embarcations seront disponibles pour se promener sur l'eau, un coin de manèges, la zone gourmande et la zone sportive. Cette dernière aura des jeux gonflables, des tables de ping pong et des jeux de spikeball.
Tout ça, sans oublier les quelque 80 montgolfières qui se promèneront dans le ciel. Les nuits magiques avec les ballons illuminés et maintenus au sol seront aussi de retour le premier et le dernier soir des festivités. L'International des montgolfières s'installera du samedi 13 août au dimanche 21 août prochain à compter de midi et tu peux déjà te procurer des billets.
Le passeport régulier pour les neuf jours est offert à 90 $, mais tu peux aussi te procurer un accès journalier à 35 $ du lundi au jeudi ou à 40 $ du vendredi au dimanche. Il ne te reste plus qu'à booker les dates sur ton calendrier et acheter ta passe.
L'International de montgolfières de Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu
Coût : À partir de 35 $ pour la passe journalière et 90 $ pour le passeport
Quand : Du 13 au 21 août 2022
Adresse : 5, ch. de l'aéroport, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC
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WATCH: Ellie Costello sets date for Stephen Dixon's return after co-host sent home unexpectedly
February 18 | 2026
GB News star Ellie Costello has set the date for her co-host's return after Stephen Dixon was sent home unexpectedly last week.Stephen was "really not well at all", according to GB News' Mark White, when he dropped out mid-show - leaving viewers befuddled.Joined by presenter Alex Armstrong this morning, Ellie said: "Lots of you getting in touch this morning asking about Stephen. Stephen is very well. I know lots of you are worried because he was sent home from work. "He wasn't very well. He is feeling much better, you'll be glad to know. "And he's going to be back with us tomorrow, so don't panic. He's going to be back."WATCH THE CLIP ABOVE FOR MORE