This week Meta announced a rather significant test for its Horizon Worlds online VR platform, with a new monetisation programme being announced.

This monetisation programme is currently open to a select number of creators to begin creating virtual goods and effects to sell in Horizon Worlds, although for now the ability to purchase newly minted creations is only available to those in the US and Canada.

“We’re beginning to roll out a test with a handful of creators that will let them sell virtual items and effects within their worlds. For example, someone could make and sell attachable accessories for a fashion world or offer paid access to a new part of a world,” notes Meta in a blog post.

“Purchasing items in Horizon Worlds is available to people 18+ in the US and Canada where Horizon Worlds is currently available. Creators selling items will see a Commerce tab and gizmo when they’re in Create mode that lets them create purchasable items,” it adds.

It therefore looks like Meta is trying to lure more digital content creators to its online VR platform, with plans of future programmes also being alluded to.

“In addition to introducing in-world purchases, we’re beginning to test a Horizon Worlds Creator Bonus program for participants in the US. These bonuses come in the form of goal-oriented monthly programs where the creators are paid out at the end of the month for their progress toward the goal,” Meta continued.

While this is not strictly the metaverse that Mark Zuckerberg and co. have been touting, this is a solid indication that Meta will be making a lot of its money from the metaverse via in-verse purchases.

We have already seen this play out in the apparel world, with the likes of Nike already looking to tap up creators to create virtual goods with the iconic swoosh featuring.

Either way, this appears to one of many first steps that Meta will be taking to bring its new vision to fruition.