The Definitive F2P Launch Roadmap for Meta Quest | Free-to-Play Academy (Ep. 1)
In the first session of the Free-to-Play Academy series, Meta's Growth Insights team walks through the strategic foundation required to successfully launch and monetize a free-to-play app on Meta Quest. This session covers business model selection, pre-launch planning, retention-first design principles, and the marketing infrastructure needed to drive sustainable player acquisition.
💡 After viewing this session, you’ll understand how to:
- Choose the right monetization model (microtransactions, free-to-start, or subscriptions)
- Build a 6-12 month pre-launch timeline & post-launch content roadmap
- Build pre-launch social media presence and gather actionable feedback
- Optimize key art, trailers, and product pages using A/B testing
- Leverage Developer Dashboard tools for analytics, notifications, and community engagement
🎙️ FEATURING:
Gabe Heiland, Chenelle Bremont, Richard Duck & Michelle Vo
Recorded in July 2025 as part of the Meta Horizon Start program.
🎬 CHAPTERS
�� INTRODUCTION
🕒 00:00 - Welcome to Free-to-Play Academy
🕒 01:29 - Free-to-Play Business Models and Microtransactions
🕒 03:02 - Free-to-Start, Demos, and Subscriptions
📈 F2P FOUNDATIONS
🕒 05:33 - Core Ingredients: Acquisition, Engagement, Retention, Monetization
🕒 12:03 - Acquisition Basics and Perception of Value
🎯 DEFINING QUALITY PLAYERS
🕒 15:55 - Defining and Finding Quality Users
🕒 19:27 - Creators, Influencers, and Designing for Virality
🛠️ LAUNCH PLANNING AND STORE PRESENCE
🕒 23:13 - Acquisition and Launch Strategy Missed Opportunities
🕒 26:11 - Store Presence, Key Art, and Trailers
🤝 COMMUNITY, DATA, AND NEXT STEPS
🕒 32:07 - Social Media Strategy, Community Building, and Feedback
🕒 39:38 - Developer Dashboard Tools, Analytics, and Reviews Workflow
🕒 45:16 - Six Actions for Success and Closing Thoughts
📚 RESOURCES
➡️ Developers Blog: https://developers.meta.com/resources/blog/
➡️ Meta Quest Developer Hub: https://developers.meta.com/horizon/documentation/unity/ts-mqdh/
🔗 CONNECT WITH US
➡️ Sign up to get the latest news from Meta Horizon: https://developers.meta.com/horizon/newsletter
💡 LEARN ABOUT THE META HORIZON START PROGRAM
The Meta Horizon Start program provides intermediate and advanced developers with the resources, hands-on support, and expert guidance needed to accelerate their app development. Join a thriving community to get the tools and go-to-market guidance you need to successfully deploy and grow your app on Meta Horizon OS.
Apply to Start today: https://developers.meta.com/horizon/discover/programs/start
