A group of women are furious with Mark Zuckerberg for killing their community.

TLDR

Meta announced it will cease new content for the VR fitness game Supernatural, effectively ending its development and upsetting a dedicated community of users, despite prior antitrust concerns about Meta acquiring the game to stifle competition.

Takeways

• Meta stopped new content for the VR fitness game Supernatural, effectively ending its active development.

• A dedicated community, including many with disabilities, relied on Supernatural for accessible fitness and social connection.

• The FTC previously challenged Meta's acquisition due to concerns it would kill competition, which aligns with the current situation.

Meta's decision to stop producing new content for the VR fitness game Supernatural has angered its loyal user base, including 'Team Sunshine,' who relied on the game for accessible workouts and community. Many users, particularly those with disabilities or limited mobility, found a vital fitness solution in Supernatural and believe Meta's acquisition led to a lack of investment and community support. There are efforts underway to save the game from its impending obsolescence.

Community Impact

• 00:00:41 Supernatural attracted a diverse user base, including individuals recovering from injury, cancer survivors, veterans, and those with limited mobility, who found a safe and private way to exercise and build online friendships. Fans like 'Team Sunshine' felt a strong sense of community and support within the game, which many believe declined significantly after Meta's acquisition, leaving them feeling abandoned.

Meta's Acquisition

• 00:01:18 Supernatural users perceived Meta's acquisition of the game as a 'kiss of death,' noting a lack of investment and community support post-sale. Meta's 2021 attempt to buy Supernatural faced a nearly two-year legal battle with the FTC, which suspected Meta intended to acquire the game to eliminate competition, especially amidst rumors of Apple's interest, a concern that now appears validated by the cessation of new content.