Download ^NEW^ Facebook Gaming Pc
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Twitch is a popular platform for live gameplay. Many of its users employ livestreams almost exclusively, with streamers interacting with their fans regardless of what they play or do. Aside from gaming, Twitch is also a popular avenue for other forms of content such as reviews and talk shows where viewers can offer real-time reactions.
Facebook claims that over 100 million active users participate in over 340,000 gaming groups and that over 20 billion Instant Game sessions had been played by the end of 2018. That broad reach, along with gaming videos and live streams, widens Facebook Gaming's moat against Twitch, YouTube, and Mixer.
Facebook's big jump in viewing time of livestreamed gaming content points to a growing new opportunity to advertise on the platform. That's especially true for brands that seek people who like to watch others play videogames and participate in online chats with gaming influencers. The social network started Facebook Gaming in 2018, and its growth likely reflects the company's parlaying its dominance in social media into a market that Twitch pioneered a decade ago.
Facebook Gaming's recent growth spurt also reflects its recruitment of gaming influencers in the past two months. The social network in November lured Jeremy "DisguiseToast" Wang, a streamer of online card game "Hearthstone" and battle game "Teamfight Tactics," away from Twitch to bring his followers into Facebook Gaming. The platform followed that deal with agreements with vlogger and Instagram model Corrina Kopf and streamer Gonzalo "ZeRo" Barrios to carry their livestreams exclusively.
"We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of you for everything that you've done to build a thriving community for gamers and fans since this app first launched. This was truly a community-led effort to bring new gaming features to Facebook," reads a statement.
Neither Ninja nor Shroud has announced what their plans are moving forward, but it does not seem that Facebook Gaming figures into those decisions. According to several reports, Ninja and Shroud were offered contract extensions and even larger contracts by Facebook Gaming, but both streamers were not interested. Existing Mixer partners were also offered partnerships at Facebook gaming as well, but they were also free to explore their options. Only a select few were presented these more enticing offers.
Facebook had a real rollercoaster of a time trying to get Facebook Gaming out there. First launched in 2020, the app emerged as a potential competitor to Twitch and YouTube in the gaming livestream space. Apple continuously rejected the app from appearing in the App Store; later, Apple's rules forced Facebook Gaming to remove actual gameplay functionality.
Meta is currently testing a Twitch-like livestreaming platform, according to reports that surfaced earlier this month. So the company continues its aim of making waves in the gaming space, despite setbacks.
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