Meta’s long-anticipated ‘Avalanche’ VR cloud streaming system has recently been listed on the Quest’s Horizon Store, generating excitement among VR enthusiasts. While users can wishlist the Avalanche app, it is currently unavailable for download or use.
The store page indicates that the app’s release date was listed as July 24, 2024, although this likely represents when it was uploaded to the store system rather than when it will actually be available to the public. The description on the store invites users to test out cloud-streamed titles on Avalanche, featuring images from notable games like Lone Echo and Beat Saber.
The existence of Avalanche was first revealed in April 2022 when firmware data miners discovered a flag indicating cloud gaming infrastructure. This suggests that the project has been in development for over four years.
Shortly after, reports surfaced from users who claimed to have accessed the system’s alpha version, enabling limited gameplay experiences on remote titles like Asgard’s Wrath. Recent developments include sightings of an “Activate Avalanche (Alpha)” option on newer Quest headsets, although users encountered errors attempting to launch sessions.
Meta’s motivation behind Avalanche may stem from the desire to expand access to its catalog of PC VR games, which includes several critically acclaimed titles not yet available on Quest. Despite the potential for a wider audience, the success of cloud streaming hinges on user internet quality, as high latency and packet loss could hinder the experience.
John Carmack, a former VR executive at Meta, expressed skepticism about cloud VR gaming’s viability for the general public, acknowledging that while it might be beneficial for some, it could be unacceptable for many users.
The growth of cloud VR gaming has been evolving, with third-party services enabling Quest users to stream PC VR games without needing a gaming computer. Notably, platforms like PlutoSphere, which offered a managed cloud VR service, recently shut down due to Meta’s restrictive policies on cloud streaming in its app store. This raises questions about Meta’s market strategy, especially if it decides to launch its own cloud VR streaming solution.
If Meta does proceed with Avalanche’s launch, it could face scrutiny over anti-competitive practices, reminiscent of past instances when it restricted third-party VR streaming applications.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has previously investigated Meta’s competitive practices, and the status of these inquiries remains unclear. The listing of Avalanche suggests that Meta is making strides toward delivering cloud VR streaming, though significant challenges and concerns linger regarding its implementation and market impact.
