Meta launches AI tools to let users build mobile games for Horizon platform

Meta announced two AI-powered development tools—Horizon Create and Horizon Studio—designed to let users build 2D or 3D games directly from text prompts. Horizon Create is a mobile app, while Horizon Studio is a browser-based tool offering more granular controls. Both tools are intended to enable creators to generate complete games, including progression systems, difficulty balancing, art direction, and multiplayer features, which can then be refined by the user.

The company describes the output as having "the elements of video games," distinguishing it from prior AI tools that produced empty or non-interactive experiences. Meta states that games made with these tools will be eligible for distribution and discovery on Facebook and Instagram, where users can tap into a multiplayer session without downloading additional software. Published games that are engaging, stable, culturally relevant, and retain players are expected to receive greater reach.

Meta’s announcement follows a reported pivot toward mobile for its Horizon platform, which has historically underperformed compared to competitors like Roblox. Horizon’s user base has not reached the scale of Roblox, which reports 123 million daily active users, while Horizon’s monthly active users were reported to be 300,000 in early 2022. The company frames the new AI tools as a way to increase the volume and variety of content available on Horizon, potentially improving its competitiveness.

The move aligns with Meta’s broader strategy of embedding AI across its products. By enabling rapid game creation, Meta aims to provide users with more options for playable content within its social feeds, though skepticism remains about whether AI-generated games can match the depth of handcrafted experiences.