With video games increasing in popularity during the quarantine period, it was high time for Facebook Gaming to launch its exclusive viewing app on the Google Play store.
The said app is designed to help content creators easily broadcast their gameplays, and for viewers to browse through streams effortlessly.
Facebook Gaming Mobile App
The app is a culmination of several years of investment at the leading social networking firm.
700 million of Facebook’s 2.5 billion monthly users are engaging with its exclusive gaming content.
Accordingly, Facebook Gaming’s mobile app is expected to keep up with Amazon’s Twitch, Microsoft’s Mixer, and Google’s YouTube in the fast-paced online sector for live gameplays.
The Gaming Business is Booming
Since the rest of the world is required to go through mandatory quarantine and locally-imposed lockdown, the $160 billion global games business is indeed booming.
Although Facebook originally scheduled the app’s release in June, it accelerated its plans earlier to cope up with the demand for entertainment amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
Fidji Simo, head of the Facebook app, said in an interview with the New York Times:
“Investing in gaming in general has become a priority for us because we see gaming as a form of entertainment that really connects people.”
“It’s entertainment that’s not just a form of passive consumption but entertainment that is interactive and brings people together.”
Big Rise in Gaming
The coronavirus global outbreak also pushed the social media giant to speed up other gaming projects, such as an alleged tournament feature.
“We’re seeing a big rise in gaming during quarantine.”
Over the last 18 months, Facebook successfully tested the FB Gaming app in regions like Southeast Asia and Latin America.
It is already planned to be launched on the Google Play store for Android devices. Its iOS counterpart will be released after Apple approves the app.
Used to be a Top Gaming Platform
Facebook used to be a top gaming platform almost a decade ago, where users were caught up in the FarmVille frenzy.
The agriculture-simulation social network game enables players to cultivate their farms by planting, plowing, and harvesting crops and trees. They can also care for their farm animals.
However, Facebook has seen a major decline of gaming content in recent years.
It is only the number 3 platform in total hours watched, lagging behind YouTube and Twitch in the game streaming scene.
With the release of its own gaming app, Facebook might reclaim the throne of being the top gaming platform.
The app also features casual games and easy access to various gaming communities.
The challenge lies in how effective it is in enticing players to create their own live game streams and watch other gaming broadcasts.
A “Go Live” function also lets users easily upload streams of other games on the same mobile device through the click of a few buttons.
It makes it a whole easier for players to become amateur streamers, especially with how quick these streams can be shared on one’s personal FB page.
