Meta to spin out Supernatural VR fitness app into independent entity
The move reverses previous discontinuation plans, though it signals virtual reality remains a lower strategic priority for the tech giant.
Meta has announced plans to spin out its popular virtual reality fitness application, Supernatural, into a separate, independent company. The new entity, named Supernatural Health, is scheduled to launch later this autumn as a distinct app on the Meta Horizon Store, featuring new content. This development marks a significant reversal from earlier announcements in which Meta stated the title would receive no further updates and be effectively discontinued.
The new company will be led by the original founders and coaches of the game, according to Meta spokesperson Che’von Lewis. While the specific identity of the chief executive officer for Supernatural Health has not been disclosed, the leadership structure places the original creative team in control. Meta plans to wind down the current version of the app in the interim, with Supernatural Health set to assume management of the game’s social media channels and official Facebook group.
Current subscriptions to the service will remain valid until 3 December. Meta has indicated that further details regarding the transition process will be communicated directly to subscribers. The announcement follows a period of intense community backlash after Meta initially announced layoffs within its VR division and the cessation of content development for the title.
The 2023 acquisition of Supernatural by Meta was initially contested by the Federal Trade Commission under then-chair Lina Khan. The regulator argued the deal would reduce competition in the virtual reality market, although that legal challenge ultimately failed. Following the acquisition, the game faced criticism from users who felt product support had diminished, with some community members describing the buyout as detrimental to the title’s long-term viability.
This spin-out follows a broader trend in the technology sector where discontinued digital products have seen revival through fan campaigns or acquisition by original owners. Examples include the fitness game Zombies, Run! and smartwatch maker Pebble, both of which have experienced resurgences after being bought out by larger entities. However, Meta’s decision to transfer Supernatural to an independent operator underscores that virtual reality is not currently a primary strategic priority for the company.
