Meta is giving its Metaverse Avatars a Major Update
Posted: Thu Sep 26, 2024 5:20 pm
Meta is set to give its metaverse avatars a significant upgrade, with the new look becoming available on October 1st, 2024. Announced at Meta’s Connect conference, these revamped avatars will be featured across Meta's platforms, including Meta Horizon OS, Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger.
NPCs in Horizon Worlds
Starting in 2025, Horizon Worlds developers will be able to create non-playable characters (NPCs) that can interact with users using AI-generated dialogues. This could make the virtual world feel more immersive and engaging.
With these avatar updates and the introduction of NPCs, Meta hopes to make Horizon Worlds a more attractive platform, competing with popular virtual spaces like Roblox and Fortnite. While Meta has a long way to go, these improvements might entice more users to give its metaverse a second look.
Key features of the avatar overhaul include:
- Enhanced customization: Users will now have more control over avatar features such as eye size, nose shape, and body types. This is made possible by a new avatar skeleton and an updated tech stack.
- Generative AI: In 2025, Meta will introduce a feature where users can create avatars by simply typing in a description. For example, a user could generate a spooky mummy-like avatar for Halloween by just entering a prompt.
- Fantastical and themed avatars: Meta is also adding new fantasy-based avatars, allowing users to design themselves as animals, monsters, and even unlock themed avatars, such as Captain America from Brave New World or Doja Cat’s Paris Fashion Week look. These special avatars will be unlocked by participating in experiences within Horizon Worlds.
NPCs in Horizon Worlds
Starting in 2025, Horizon Worlds developers will be able to create non-playable characters (NPCs) that can interact with users using AI-generated dialogues. This could make the virtual world feel more immersive and engaging.
With these avatar updates and the introduction of NPCs, Meta hopes to make Horizon Worlds a more attractive platform, competing with popular virtual spaces like Roblox and Fortnite. While Meta has a long way to go, these improvements might entice more users to give its metaverse a second look.
