Meta’s recent decision to effectively dismantle its once-promising VR fitness ecosystem, most notably by moving the acclaimed Supernatural app into “maintenance mode,” has left users disillusioned and raises serious questions about the company’s long-term vision for virtual reality. This isn’t simply the closure of another app; it’s a betrayal of a dedicated community and a step backward for a platform that once held genuine promise for accessibility in fitness.
The Rise and Fall of Supernatural
Supernatural, acquired by Meta in 2021, stood out as the closest equivalent to a “Peloton for VR.” Unlike the many other VR fitness options – Beat Saber, FitXR, Thrill of the Fight – it cultivated a uniquely engaging experience through licensed music, rhythm-based workouts, and immersive 3D environments. Critically, it offered personalized coaching through realistic 3D video presences, creating a sense of connection that drove consistent engagement. The app’s heart-rate tracking integration further solidified its value as a legitimate fitness tool.
Now, following Meta’s Reality Labs layoffs, Supernatural is effectively frozen, with no new content, no motivational words from coaches, and no clear future. This isn’t just a pause; it’s a deliberate abandonment, echoing similar closures of Meta’s past fitness initiatives.
Why This Matters: Beyond the App
Meta’s actions highlight a troubling pattern: a willingness to discard projects that don’t immediately deliver massive returns, even if they fostered dedicated communities. VR fitness isn’t just about exercise; it’s about making movement accessible to those who struggle with traditional gyms or routines. Supernatural proved this by attracting users who otherwise wouldn’t engage in VR at all. The app created a unique space where people felt connected, motivated, and empowered. Losing that is a major setback.
The shutdown also exposes Meta’s shifting priorities. The company is pivoting away from headsets toward smart glasses, a move that sacrifices existing VR communities for a potentially lucrative but unproven future.
The Bigger Picture: VR’s Uncertain Future
Meta has a history of shuttering studios and games, including Echo Arena, a beloved competitive zero-gravity game. This latest wave of closures – including studios behind Asgard’s Wrath II, Batman: Arkham Shadow, and Deadpool VR – signals a broader strategic shift. Meta seems more focused on social features in Horizon Worlds (despite minimal user adoption) and wearables like smart glasses, rather than the immersive experiences that once defined its VR ambitions.
This pivot is particularly concerning given the emergence of competitors like Valve, with its upcoming Steam Frame headset. Meta’s advantage in affordable VR is eroding, and abandoning core user bases like the fitness community only accelerates that decline.
The Human Cost
The impact goes beyond lost features; it’s about broken trust. Users invested time, money, and emotional energy into Supernatural, relying on its consistency and community. Now, they’re left with a “zombie app” and the feeling that their engagement was disposable. As one Supernatural coach poignantly put it, the team “loved every moment of this journey together… for every athlete who discovered how strong, courageous and capable they truly are.” That connection is severed.
The future of VR now appears murky, even for veterans of the industry. Meta’s identity crisis – a shift from gaming and fitness to telepresence and AI-driven wearables – leaves its loyal users questioning where the platform is headed.
In conclusion, Meta’s abandonment of VR fitness isn’t just a business decision; it’s a betrayal of a passionate community and a sign that the company is prioritizing short-term gains over long-term ecosystem building. The future of VR remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: trust is fragile, and abandoning dedicated users comes at a steep cost.
