Meta's decision to lay off nearly 1,000 employees across its virtual reality (VR) and metaverse efforts has sent shockwaves through the Supernatural fitness community. The popular VR workout platform, which Meta acquired in 2022 for an undisclosed amount, has been a staple for many users who rely on it as their primary means of exercising due to rural or mobility limitations.
The layoffs have left a sense of uncertainty among users, with some expressing disappointment and frustration that the platform won't receive any further content updates. Tencia Benavidez, a Supernatural user from New Mexico, was quoted as saying, "They fought the government to buy this thing... All that just for them to shut it down? What was the point?"
Despite the layoffs, many users are choosing to stick with Supernatural due to its community and coaches, which they feel is unparalleled in the VR fitness space. Goff Johnson, another user, noted, "If it was a bottom-line thing, I think they could have charged more money... This just seems unnecessarily heartless."
However, there is a growing sense of unease within the Supernatural community regarding the future of the platform. With over 3,000 lessons available, some users are concerned that new content won't be added, and the music licensing from big-name bands will continue to be an issue.
To cope with the uncertainty, many users are turning to alternative VR workout experiences like FitXR or Beat Saber. However, for those who have formed strong bonds with Supernatural's coaches and community, it may not be so easy to leave.
The Together feature, which allows users to interact and exercise together, provided a sense of camaraderie during the recent session I attended. Despite the bittersweet nature of the experience, many users are holding on to hope that Supernatural will continue in some form.
As Meta continues to navigate its metaverse efforts, one thing is clear: the future of Supernatural is uncertain, and its loyal user base is waiting with bated breath for any news about what's next.
The layoffs have left a sense of uncertainty among users, with some expressing disappointment and frustration that the platform won't receive any further content updates. Tencia Benavidez, a Supernatural user from New Mexico, was quoted as saying, "They fought the government to buy this thing... All that just for them to shut it down? What was the point?"
Despite the layoffs, many users are choosing to stick with Supernatural due to its community and coaches, which they feel is unparalleled in the VR fitness space. Goff Johnson, another user, noted, "If it was a bottom-line thing, I think they could have charged more money... This just seems unnecessarily heartless."
However, there is a growing sense of unease within the Supernatural community regarding the future of the platform. With over 3,000 lessons available, some users are concerned that new content won't be added, and the music licensing from big-name bands will continue to be an issue.
To cope with the uncertainty, many users are turning to alternative VR workout experiences like FitXR or Beat Saber. However, for those who have formed strong bonds with Supernatural's coaches and community, it may not be so easy to leave.
The Together feature, which allows users to interact and exercise together, provided a sense of camaraderie during the recent session I attended. Despite the bittersweet nature of the experience, many users are holding on to hope that Supernatural will continue in some form.
As Meta continues to navigate its metaverse efforts, one thing is clear: the future of Supernatural is uncertain, and its loyal user base is waiting with bated breath for any news about what's next.
... I mean, I get it, big companies gotta make cuts wherever they can, but Supernatural was literally changing lives for people stuck in rural areas or with mobility issues 
. Now they're just gonna abandon it? It's like, what's the point of having all that expertise and community if you're just gonna shut it down? 
. Plus, who can resist a good workout sesh with friends? But seriously, I feel for all the folks who rely on Supernatural for their fitness needs... it's like, what's gonna happen to them now? 
? The community aspect is super strong - those coaches and users who've formed bonds over time... it's hard to just leave that behind 
.
. Meta should know this by now. On one hand, I get that they're cutting costs and trying to adapt to changing market conditions 
. But at what cost? Losing 1,000 jobs is no joke 
.
. I'm hoping they can find a way to keep the spirit of Supernatural alive, even if it means partnering with existing platforms or something 
!
. It's time for them to take control of their own destiny.
. That being said, I think some users will move on to other VR workout experiences like FitXR or Beat Saber 
. If Supernatural can't figure out a way to make it work, it's going to be tough for them to compete with the likes of FitXR and Nike Training Club 
. I'm not sure what the future holds, but I have hope that Meta will come up with something innovative and user-friendly 
.
.
. I've seen so many users express frustration on social media, wondering what Meta was thinking when they decided to shut down Supernatural without a clear plan for its future 
. What if new content isn't added, or music licensing issues continue? It's scary to think about all the people who might lose access to this amazing resource 
.
. The Together feature is such an awesome part of the platform - it's what makes Supernatural so special and community-driven 
, and now it's just... uncertain 
. Those layoffs must have left a ton of people feeling pretty lost and frustrated 
it was a game changer for ppl who cant work out in person lol. i get it they had financial struggles, but did they have to cut all those employees? it's not like they're making the metaverse thingy themselves 
3k lessons is a big deal, and now nobody knows if new content will be added or if music licensing will still be an issue...it's just frustrating for the users 
1k employees gone 
i mean they already got $150m in funding in 2022 
vs. 20% who are still loyal, but uncertain about the future 
some fun facts: Meta's VR sales dropped by 50% in Q4 2022 compared to the same quarter last year 
and Supernatural's engagement rates were through the roof 
with an average session time of 45 minutes 
, but how long can that last without any new content? It's gonna be super tricky for Meta to keep all these users happy with FitXR and Beat Saber competing in the mix...
they're just gonna make it better & more efficient i mean who needs 1,000 extra people taking up space anyway 
besides the Supernatural users are super attached to it but like they shoulda seen this comin' 
new company comes in & suddenly the product is stale 
anyway, i personally dont get why the community's so upset... its not like they owned it or somethin. newsflash: apps r made 2 make cash 4 the owners 
. Those coaches and community members are like family to some of us 
. It's not just about the fitness aspect, it's about having that sense of belonging and connection with others while working out 
#SupernaturalSupport #LayoffsMatter #FitnessCommunity
. And now they're gonna shut it down? That sounds kinda harsh 
. But on the other hand, like, who needs that kinda uncertainty in their life?