Meta starts testing new tools for purchasing on metaverse

Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has started to test new tools for people who can purchase digital goods, services and experiences on metaverse, according to its CEO.

"We're beginning to test several new tools that will enable creators to experiment with different ways to monetize what they’re building in Horizon Worlds," Mark Zuckerberg said late Monday in a blog video.

"The metaverse – by nature of its not being limited by physical space – will bring a new level of creativity and open up new opportunities for the next generation of creators and businesses to pursue their passions and create livelihoods," the company said in a statement.

Earlier, it announced $10 million fund to provide resources for creators to develop content for Horizon Worlds, Meta's free virtual reality online video game platform.

Zuckerberg explained that creators will be able to sell virtual items on the platform in different worlds, such as accessories for a fashion world, or offer paid access to a new part of a world.

Purchasing items in Horizon Worlds will be available to people 18 years old in the US and Canada, where Horizon Worlds is currently available.

Metaverse, the digital concept of shared 3D spaces linked into a virtual universe, has recently become a popular topic after Facebook rebranded itself as Meta.

Touted as the next step in the evolution of the internet, metaverse aims to offer virtual universes for meetings, movies, entertainment, concerts, and especially gaming.