Meta to Lay Off Hundreds in Metaverse Division This Week
Meta is set to implement significant layoffs within its Reality Labs division, specifically targeting metaverse employees. Recent reports indicate that approximately 10 percent of the staff in this department will be impacted.
Details of the Layoffs
This reduction appears to be linked to Meta’s increasing focus on artificial intelligence, diverting resources and attention away from its virtual reality initiatives. The New York Times has highlighted these developments, underscoring the shift in company priorities.
Leadership and Staff Overview
- CTO: Andrew Bosworth is the chief technology officer overseeing the Reality Labs division.
- Employee Count: Reality Labs employs approximately 15,000 people.
On Wednesday, Bosworth called an all-hands meeting, describing it as potentially the “most important” meeting of the year. Employees were encouraged to attend in person, suggesting significant announcements may be made regarding the future direction of the division.
Budget Cuts and Strategic Shift
These layoffs follow a report from Bloomberg indicating that Meta plans to decrease its metaverse budget by 30 percent. This reduction raises concerns about the viability and strategic future of Meta’s investments in virtual reality.
As of now, Meta has not publicly commented on the layoffs or the budget changes. The implications of these shifts signal a transformative period for the company, as it recalibrates its focus toward artificial intelligence.
