Meta aims to bring the gaming industry closer to writing an idea on a phone, after unveiling two new tools that use artificial intelligence to turn text commands into playable games, without the need to deal with traditional game development engines or have advanced programming expertise.
The company announced Horizon Create and Horizon Studio during its annual Meta Connect 2026 conference, which concluded last Thursday, in a move aimed at expanding the base of people capable of producing and publishing games through the Meta ecosystem.
These tools represent a trend towards using artificial intelligence to transform game development from a complex programming process into a natural language-based experience.
The tools represent a trend towards using artificial intelligence to transform game development from a complex programming process to a natural language (meta)-based experience.
The game's concept begins with a text command.
Both tools rely on the built-in proxy creation capabilities of the Meta Horizon Engine. Users can describe their desired game in natural language, and the system then translates that description into a playable experience. According to Meta, 2D or 3D games can be created, including environments, characters, gameplay mechanics, progression systems, difficulty levels, and multiplayer support.
The role of text commands doesn't end with creating the first version of the game. The user can continue interacting with the system to change the graphics, characters, story, or progression system, then test the results and make further adjustments. In this way, game development becomes an iterative process that begins with describing the idea, then testing what the AI has created and guiding it toward the desired outcome.
Create allows for modifications to elements of the experience using natural language. The user can describe the desired change in characters, environment, art style, story, or player progression, rather than implementing these changes manually within complex development tools. Meta says the process does not require a traditional game engine or writing code.
Horizon Studio: Greater control via browser
Horizon Studio, on the other hand, is a web-based editor that offers a broader level of project control. In addition to text commands, users can visually modify the scene, arrange elements, change digital assets, and adjust parameters that govern game behavior and space layout.
Meta links the two tools within a single workflow, allowing the project to be transferred between the phone and the browser while preserving assets, systems, and modification history. This allows you to start with a quick idea on the phone, then move to more detailed tools when needed.
From game creation to reaching players
The plan focuses not only on creating games, but also on how they reach the audience. Meta says that games published using the two tools will be eligible for distribution via Facebook , Instagram and Horizon, so that the user can discover the game from within the platforms they already use.
The company is offering a different model from traditional game distribution, where someone watching a game clip on Instagram can jump into the gameplay experience, including multiplayer sessions, without needing to download a separate app or leave the platform.
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