Let's talk about how Facebook is screwing us in VR.
A major use case of @BigscreenVR is like the "iTunes of VR": we offer 3D movie rentals for $4.99.
A major use case of @BigscreenVR is like the "iTunes of VR": we offer 3D movie rentals for $4.99.
Digital Video distributors like @BigscreenVR give movie studios 60-80% of each transaction.
Oculus also has movie rental features, and similarly pays movie studios a % of each transaction.
However, Facebook is forcing Bigscreen to pay 30% for every movie rental sale we make.
Oculus also has movie rental features, and similarly pays movie studios a % of each transaction.
However, Facebook is forcing Bigscreen to pay 30% for every movie rental sale we make.
It is financially impossible. Oculus makes money from their competitive video store, but Bigscreen's video store must pay Oculus: we lose >$1 for every $1 we make.
We asked for help, Facebook told us to find a better business model like games.
We asked for help, Facebook told us to find a better business model like games.
They refuse to negotiate Oculus App Store % Fee and refuse off-platform transactions. This gives Facebook a monopoly on video distribution in VR.
Unfortunately, no one cares. We've been asking for help for years.
Unfortunately, no one cares. We've been asking for help for years.
When I announced a beta version of @BigscreenVR in 2015/2016, Facebook reached out. They told me to join them, because they were going to build the same thing and crush us.
I have many stories like this. I can share a long list of VR devs who have been trampled by Facebook.
I have many stories like this. I can share a long list of VR devs who have been trampled by Facebook.
I'm sharing this after working full-time on @BigscreenVR for >6 years. I'm so deeply passionate about VR but I'm frustrated.
Facebook/Oculus have made incredible progress with a magical VR platform!
And they're hurting devs badly. Will anyone care? @TimSweeneyEpic?
Facebook/Oculus have made incredible progress with a magical VR platform!
And they're hurting devs badly. Will anyone care? @TimSweeneyEpic?
Every VR dev is scared to talk about Facebook because we fear FB will hurt us more and make survival even harder.
I love VR and Oculus so much. The DK1 changed my life!
I've spent my entire adult life working on VR (21% of my life!), but I'm frustrated
I love VR and Oculus so much. The DK1 changed my life!
I've spent my entire adult life working on VR (21% of my life!), but I'm frustrated
