Facebook confirms that it is launching a Facebook Gaming app on mobile, helping gamers find new games to play and streamers to watch. This is part of Facebook's bigger plan to find success in gaming and game streaming as it has also announced Facebook Gaming partnerships with creators like former UFC fighter Ronda Rousey.
On Twitter today, the official Facebook Gaming account announced the launch of the Facebook Gaming app. Facebook calls it a "focused, gaming-only experience where you can watch your favorite streamers, play instant games and take part in gaming groups". The main draw to the app seems to be the ability to find and watch Facebook Gaming streamers such as Corinna Kopf and Disguised Toast, but small games like arcade title Basketball FRVR are also available in it.
The Facebook Gaming app is only available on Android for now, but Facebook confirms that the iOS version of the app is in development. The reason for the different release dates is because Facebook originally planned to launch the app in June. COVID-19, which has changed the way that several gaming companies around the world are working, prompted Facebook to release the app earlier.
It's unclear how much of an effect this will have on Facebook's larger gaming ambitions. The company has been adding to Facebook Gaming regularly, announcing exclusive streamer partnerships and new features such as Tournaments. The app could help fans of Facebook Gaming now find new things to enjoy but getting new people to use Facebook Gaming features may remain a challenge.