The Community Behind Virtual Reality Fitness: A Struggle for Survival
When you picture a virtual reality headset user, you’re probably not picturing someone like Sherry Dickson. At 69, the snowy-haired, retired elementary school teacher hops into her Meta Quest headset five days a week, for roughly 60 to 90 minutes at a time. She’s not attending live concerts or watching immersive films. Dickson, a fitness buff since Jane Fonda workout videos in the ’80s, largely uses her headset for one reason — to play Supernatural, a VR fitness game with a huge, loyal fan base and a tight-knit community.
However, Supernatural is facing a critical challenge. A few weeks ago, Meta shut down three VR studios in a broader move to reduce costs within its Reality Labs division, effectively halting the release of new content for the game. This abrupt change blindsided Dickson and countless fellow fans, triggering a sense of grief and prompting Dickson to lead a social media campaign to save Supernatural from disappearing into obscurity.
Understanding Supernatural: A Unique Fitness Platform
Supernatural combines elements from connected fitness platforms like Peloton and rhythm games like Just Dance or Beat Saber. Players engage by swatting at targets flying toward them, timed to an energetic soundtrack, all set within picturesque virtual environments. Users can choose from a library of dance-like Flow workouts, boxing sessions, or even meditative classes. The game’s charm lies in its evolving content library; fresh music, choreography, and levels keep users engaged while also fostering connections with the game’s charismatic coaches.
The recent cessation of content production has left many fans feeling disheartened. The Supernatural Facebook page boasts over 110,000 members, many of whom have penned heartfelt tributes to the game. Over 7,000 supporters have already signed a petition on Change.org, urging Meta and CEO Mark Zuckerberg to reconsider their decision.
A Diverse User Base
Ironically, Sherry Dickson epitomizes the demographic often overlooked in tech: older adults. In a landscape typically dominated by 18-to-34-year-old men, Supernatural’s community comprises a significant number of women, seniors, and individuals with limited mobility. This diversity has fueled an impassioned response to recent developments, with users expressing their frustration and determination to fight for Supernatural’s future.
“I despise Meta along with the oligarchs, the top one percent that continue to destroy our world and kill anything that brings joy and beauty of human experience and connection because their only goal is to make a profit,” states DeeDee Henry, another avid Supernatural athlete. Such sentiments are echoed throughout the community as opinions fluctuate between anger at Meta and hope for a revival.
The Emotional Impact of Community and Coaching
The community surrounding Supernatural is not just about fitness; it fosters deep emotional connections among its users. Many fans claim that the coaches, who openly share their experiences and vulnerabilities, create a unique bond within the platform. For Erica Carter, one of the dedicated fans, the news of layoffs among the coaching staff felt more personal than a regular cancellation: “These were six people who I personally spent half an hour with almost every day for almost a year. So when they were laid off, it hurt.”
The Future of Supernatural: Activism or Acceptance?
The recent turmoil has left users grappling with uncertainty regarding their favorite workout program. Dickson’s campaign seeks not only to preserve the game on Meta’s server but also to inspire potential investors to revive Supernatural independently, re-establishing its original creative vision and community focus.
“What I’d really like to see is someone of vision come along and possibly buy the rights to Supernatural and make it independent again,” Dickson asserts, expressing a desire to see the platform thrive off Meta’s less personal oversight.
As the future of Supernatural hangs in the balance, its users hold onto hope. They continue to engage with the platform, logging in and maintaining a fighting spirit as a tribute to what they’ve built together. The collective longing for something that feels irreplaceable underscores a broader reality: that community can be a powerful antidote to the challenges of commercialization and corporate shifts. Regardless of what unfolds, Supernatural athletes are committed to giving their all until they simply cannot anymore.
You can read more about this vibrant community and their struggles here.
Sherry Dickson, 69, is leading an online campaign to save Supernatural. She’s also part of a group of women who play the game together called Team Sunshine. Photo by Laurence Philomene / The Verge
Image Credit: www.theverge.com
