Just two years after its launch, Facebook is shutting down the Facebook Gaming app on October 28, 2022. Now, if you open the app, you'll see a banner stating that the app will no longer be available on iOS and Android after that date. The app will also not be available on the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
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If you were using the app, you can download your search data before the app stops working.
The app was launched in April 2020 at the start of the COVID-19 as a way for users to watch their favorite streamers, play live games, and join gaming groups. Facebook faced some obstacles during the app's launch, as Apple rejected the app multiple times, citing its rules that prohibit apps with the primary purpose of distributing casual games. Apple's rules forced Facebook to remove the actual gameplay feature from the app.
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“We know how important gaming is to our community, and we remain committed to connecting the gaming community with the content they love,” a Meta spokesperson told TechCrunch. “We will continue to support our gaming communities, developers, and creators on the main Facebook app, where hundreds of millions of people play games, watch gaming videos, and join gaming Groups every month.”
It's not entirely clear why Meta is choosing to shut down the app, but in the future it's possible the company will provide some explanation for its decision.
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On the other hand, Meta is testing a new livestreaming platform for influencers called “Super.” The new platform allows influencers to host livestreams, earn revenue, and interact with viewers. The company has reportedly paid influencers between $200 and $3,000 to use the platform for 30 minutes. Super began development in late 2020 and is currently being built by Meta’s New Product Experimentation team. The platform, which appears to have similar functionality to Twitch, is currently being tested with fewer than 100 creators.
Information source: techcrunch.com
