Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has entered the video game subscription market with the launch of Meta Quest+. With hopes of becoming the go-to subscription service for virtual reality (VR) gaming, Meta aims to offer a curated selection of games for its Meta Quest headset. However, it faces significant challenges in matching the success and value of established subscription services like Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus.
Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, announced the Meta Quest+ service on Instagram, revealing a monthly subscription cost of $7.99 or an annual fee of $59.99. Subscribers will receive two games every month, carefully chosen by Meta to include both popular hits and lesser-known gems. To access the games, subscribers must redeem them through the Meta Quest app.
One glaring drawback for Meta Quest+ is the lack of an extensive game library at launch. In contrast, services like Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus debuted with a wide range of titles, providing immediate value for subscribers. While Meta Quest+ may accumulate games over time, with 24 titles per year, it pales in comparison to the 100+ games available through its competitors. Additionally, Meta Quest+ does not offer a growing catalogue, meaning missed games cannot be redeemed in subsequent months.
Another disadvantage is the manual redemption process for games. Unlike the automatic availability of games on Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus, Meta Quest+ requires subscribers to manually redeem each monthly title. This cumbersome process raises questions about the user experience and the necessity of redemption if access is revoked upon cancellation.
Meta Quest+ resembles a flawed imitation of Microsoft’s Games with Gold rather than a comprehensive gaming subscription service. Games with Gold, a benefit for Xbox Live Gold members, also requires manual redemption but allows continued access to redeemed games even after unsubscribing.
Considering the limitations and inconsistencies of Meta Quest+, it fails to deliver the value and convenience that gamers expect from a game subscription service. Rather than providing a robust gaming catalogue, Meta Quest+ offers a discounted way to obtain two games each month, with limited choice and the risk of losing access upon cancellation. As a result, many gamers may prefer to purchase games individually instead of subscribing to the service.
Meta is offering the first month of Quest+ for just $1, with initial games such as Pistol Whip and Pixel Ripped 1995. However, given the current shortcomings, it remains uncertain whether this subscription service will prove advantageous for gamers in the long run. While it may benefit game developers, the value proposition for consumers is questionable at best.
