7 months ago
Meta Cuts 1,000 Reality Labs Jobs
Meta, the company behind Facebook, has laid off over 1,000 people from its Reality Labs division.
This division works on virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and the metaverse.
The layoffs are part of a big change in Meta's plans.
Instead of focusing on the metaverse, Meta is now putting more effort into artificial intelligence (AI) products, like smart wearables and better smartphone features.
Three of Meta's VR studios are closing, but five others will keep working.
Many employees are now looking for new jobs.
Meta's Reality Labs has been losing a lot of money, so this change is to make the company more sustainable.
It's a reminder that new technologies can also mean job losses.
Meta has laid off over 1,000 employees from its Reality Labs division, which focuses on VR, AR, and the metaverse.
The layoffs are part of a strategic shift towards AI-driven products and wearables, away from long-term metaverse projects.
Three of Meta's in-house VR studios (Armature, Sanzaru, and Twisted Pixel) are shutting down, while five others will continue operating.
Reality Labs has been experiencing significant financial losses, reporting a $4.4 billion loss in October despite generating $470 million in revenue.
The layoffs affect employees across all experience levels, indicating a change in business priorities rather than individual performance.
- Who
- Meta Platforms, Reality Labs division
- What
- Layoffs of over 1,000 employees and shutdown of three VR studios
- Where
- Meta's Reality Labs division
- When
- January 13, 2026
- Why
- Strategic shift towards AI-driven products and wearables, away from long-term metaverse projects
AI Focus
Metaverse Vision
Strategic Shift
AI Focus
Meta is prioritizing AI-driven products, particularly wearables and enhanced smartphone features, for faster adoption and clearer returns.
Metaverse Vision
The metaverse is being pushed to the sidelines, with investment continuing at a slower, more cautious pace.
Key facts
- Number of Layoffs
- 1,000
- Percentage of Reality Labs Workforce
- 10%
- Total Reality Labs Workforce
- 15,000
- Date of Layoffs
- January 13, 2026
- Shutdown Studios
- Armature, Sanzaru, and Twisted Pixel
- Continuing Studios
- Camouflaj, Glassworks, Games, BigBox, and OURO
- Reality Labs Financial Loss
- $4.4 billion
- Reality Labs Revenue
- $470 million
Quotes
Meta spokesperson
A representative of Meta Platforms
“We said last month that we were shifting some of our investment from metaverse toward wearables. This is part of that effort, and we plan to reinvest the savings to support the growth of wearables this year.”
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Mitchio Porter
Game designer at Armature, a VR studio within Meta's Reality Labs division
“an unfortunate termination”
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Kat Webster
Senior character artist at Armature, a VR studio within Meta's Reality Labs division
“It was a great ride at Armature games (Meta) but unfortunately the studio was closed down today.”
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Frank Ward
Veteran developer at Armature, a VR studio within Meta's Reality Labs division
“something new”
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Jake Steinerman
Developer advocate at Meta Reality Labs
“dream job”
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Jack Chen
Technical lead at Oculus VR, a division of Meta Platforms
“leadership roles in production and technical program management”
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