What Happened
A post on X (formerly Twitter) from user @kimmonismus claims that Meta Platforms Inc. will shut down its Metaverse project "for good in June." The post characterizes the venture as "the most expensive experiment in history," stating that Meta spent approximately $80 billion on it.
The post, made on May 30, 2025, offers no further details, citations, or corroborating evidence. It presents the information as a declarative statement: "Meta spent $80 billion on the Metaverse. It will be shut down for good in June."
Context
Meta's investment in its Reality Labs division, which houses its virtual and augmented reality ambitions under the "Metaverse" umbrella, is a matter of public record through the company's financial filings. Since rebranding from Facebook in 2021, Meta has reported cumulative operating losses for Reality Labs exceeding $45 billion through the end of 2024. The $80 billion figure cited in the post appears to be an estimate of total capital expenditure, R&D, and operational costs over the project's lifespan.
Recent quarterly reports have shown continued heavy losses in the division, despite significant product launches like the Quest 3 headset. CEO Mark Zuckerberg has repeatedly framed the Metaverse as a long-term bet, acknowledging that meaningful returns might be a decade away.
Important Note: As of this writing, there has been no official announcement from Meta confirming a June shutdown of its Metaverse initiatives. The claim originates solely from a single social media post. Major financial decisions of this magnitude are typically communicated via official press releases, SEC filings, or earnings calls.
