Meta Expands VR Access for Preteens and Launches Free Multiplayer Game Weekends

Highlights

• Meta allows VR interaction for 10-12 year-olds with parental approval
• Parents manage and approve preteen contacts for safe interactions
• Free weekends for multiplayer VR games on Quest platform
• First free weekend includes trials of Breachers and Racket Club

Meta has announced plans to allow children aged 10 to 12 to interact with others in virtual reality (VR) with parental approval. 

The company is also launching a free weekend program for multiplayer VR games.

The new feature for preteens will enable parent-approved contacts to chat, call, and join VR experiences together. 

Parents will manage these contacts through their child’s follower lists.

Both preteens’ parents must approve the connection for interactions between young users.

Here’s how it will work

• Only followers or those followed by the preteen are eligible to become approved contacts
• Parents must add contacts manually; no automatic approvals
• Preteens can request follower additions, but parents make the final decision
• For preteen-to-preteen interactions, both sets of parents must approve
• Parents can remove approved contacts at any time
• Approved contacts can chat, call, and send or accept invites to parent-approved VR experiences

Meta introduced parent-managed accounts for 10 to 12-year-olds last year, providing access to age-appropriate VR content.

The company states this expansion aims to offer social experiences while maintaining parental control.

Meta said in a statement, “Our commitment to building safe, positive experiences for young people is at the forefront. In addition to working with third-party experts, we meet with families on an ongoing basis to gather feedback and help ensure that we’re building tools and protections that are easy-to-use, elevate the safety of MR and VR, and enable young people to have a great social experience. Earlier this year, we began asking everyone who uses a Meta account on Meta Quest 2 and/or 3 to confirm their age by re-entering their birthdate to help ensure that everyone has access to the right tools, content, and protections for them on Meta Quest, including preteens.”

New Multiplayer VR Titles This Weekend

Separately, Meta is introducing “Free Weekends” for its Quest VR platform.

From July 12 to August 12, users will have temporary access to two multiplayer games each weekend.

The first free weekend features one-hour trials of Breachers, a tactical shooter, and Racket Club, a sports game combining elements of pickleball, tennis, and ping-pong.

Breachers is a team-based game where players either attack or defend against opponents in close-quarters combat.

Racket Club offers both competitive and casual gameplay options, including a career mode and online matches.

After playing Breachers or Racket Club for a certain amount of time, you ought to get an email with a special 20% off code that will allow you to purchase a permanent copy of the game at a reduced price.

These coupons are good through July 20, 2024 at 1AM local time, or for a maximum of five days following the conclusion of the Free Weekend.

Breachers and Racket Club are available for pre-download today, so you can be prepared for Friday when access opens.

Meta wants you to share the event with your friends via the smartphone app or VR, advises Meta, so you can all schedule a time to log in and play together

FAQs

What new VR features are available for preteens on Meta?

Meta now allows children aged 10-12 to interact in VR with parental approval, enabling them to chat, call, and join VR experiences with approved contacts.

How do parents manage their preteen’s VR contacts on Meta?

Parents manually add and approve contacts for their preteen.

Both sets of parents must approve interactions between young users, and they can remove contacts anytime.

What is the “Free Weekends” program on Meta’s Quest VR platform?

From July 12 to August 12, Meta offers free weekend access to select multiplayer VR games.

The first weekend features Breachers and Racket Club with one-hour trials.

What games are included in the first Free Weekend on Meta Quest?

The first Free Weekend includes Breachers, a tactical shooter, and Racket Club, a sports game combining pickleball, tennis, and ping-pong elements.

How can users benefit from the Free Weekends program on Meta Quest?

Users who participate in the Free Weekends and play the games can receive a 20% off code to purchase the games at a reduced price, valid through July 20, 2024.

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