Social networking giant Facebook on Monday launched a new gaming app for Android users — simply called FaceBook Gaming. The app is now listed on Google’s Play Store it already has over 50 lac downloads.
.
The new gaming app is essentially a standalone version of the gaming tab you find in the Facebook app that comes with features like playing games, watch others’ live gameplay and connect with group members.
.
The new app is initially available on Android devices, with a separate version for Apple’s iOS in the works.
.
Facebook said the new app will enable users to watch “e-sports” or game competitions as well as participate in games with other users online.
.
The leading social network said it accelerated the launch “to encourage meaningful community interactions” for people locked down due to the coronavirus pandemic.
.
Facebook said it sees strong interest in the new app, with some 700 million of its global users already playing games or participating in gaming groups on its platform.
.
About launching a dedicated app for gaming, Vivek Sharma, Facebook’s vice president for gaming said to the New York Times, “We don’t want to be the background window in a Chrome tab while someone is doing their homework or doing something else. With mobile, if you have the app open and you’re using the app, it’s in the foreground. You can’t do anything else on your mobile phone, and that is extremely powerful.”
.
Even though there is no cost in downloading the app, the additional information on the Google Play Store listing reveals that there are in-app purchases raining from Rs 85-Rs 8,400.
.
As expected, the app requires users to login using their Facebook account details.
.
“There are a lot of people who listen to music and say, ‘I can imagine myself being a musician,’” said Sharma. “People are watching streams and they’re like, ‘I want to be a streamer,’ and with Go Live it’s literally just a few clicks and then live, you’re a streamer.”
.
“Investing in gaming in general has become a priority for us because we see gaming as a form of entertainment that really connects people,” said Fidji Simo, head of the Facebook app. “It’s entertainment that’s not just a form of passive consumption but entertainment that is interactive and brings people together.”
Also Read: E-commerce firms can’t sell non-essential items 20 April onwards
