Meta’s veteran VR figure and industry icon John Carmack has stepped away from Mark Zuckerberg’s company, according to multiple major outlets. The public figure, renowned for co-founding id Software and helping to shape Doom, has long been a vocal presence in the push toward a broader VR future, even as skepticism about Meta’s path has persisted in tech circles.
Observers point out that Carmack played a pivotal role in shaping Meta’s early metaverse ambitions, aligning with Zuckerberg’s vision for a connected virtual space. Yet the developer also warned that internal obstacles could slow progress in tangible ways, complicating the company’s momentum.
In his own words, Carmack described Meta’s processing capabilities as underutilized, comparing the situation to a processor running well below its peak. He noted that the company harbors a remarkable pool of talent and resources, but stressed that avoidable missteps and internal friction were hindering the effort more than helping it move forward.
Beyond the day-to-day decisions, Carmack underscored a broader, ongoing challenge in steering the company’s overall trajectory. He admitted that the work had become exhausting and that his influence had not sufficed to alter the company’s direction in the eyes of many observers.
Earlier, Carmack had been critical of Meta’s VR ambitions, recounting discussions about a lightweight, affordable headset priced around $250 and weighing roughly 250 grams. The takeaway was that the Quest Pro, valued at about $1,500, was ultimately prioritized and launched, prompting questions about the tradeoffs involved in that decision.
Industry coverage from The Verge highlighted a mixed reception to the latest Meta VR headset, with journalists delivering pointed critiques of the device lineup from the American tech giant. The ongoing conversations about hardware, pricing, and the pace of development continue to shape how audiences view Meta’s VR strategy, and Carmack’s departure adds another layer to the broader dialogue about the future of immersive technology. The Verge noted that the signals from Meta’s hardware roadmap have left some observers wondering about long-term feasibility and product strategy.