Meta to Shut Down Its Facebook Gaming App in October

Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ: META) has decided to shut down its Facebook Gaming app, just two years after it was released, as a result of its inability to stand the tough competition with rivals, such as Twitch, live streaming platform for gamers owned by Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ: AMZN). According to Meta, starting from October 28, Facebook Gaming app will be removed from both the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.

Meta stated:

“Despite this news, our mission to connect players, fans and creators with the games they love hasn’t changed, and you’ll still be able to find your games, streamers and groups when you visit Gaming in the Facebook app. 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.”

The company’s spokesperson further said:

“The standalone Facebook Gaming app has been an incredible environment for our gaming team to test and iterate on a wide variety of gaming-specific features and products, and many of these features have found a home in the main Facebook App. We’ll continue to support our gaming communities, developers, and creators on the main Facebook app where hundreds of millions of people play games, watch gaming video, and connect in gaming Groups each month.”

Back in 2018, Facebook rolled out the game streaming and gaming platform to give competition to Twitch and YouTube. Later, in 2020, Facebook Gaming app went live as a focused, gaming-only experience where you can watch your favorite streamers, play instant games and take part in gaming groups. At that time, the app was extremely popular due to the Covid-19 outbreak that made people stay at home and look for entertainment. However, after the coronavirus pandemic went down, the app has not managed to survive in the competition with other similar apps.

Twitch Taking Over

Launched back in 2011, Twitch is a video-streaming platform that offers a fun, social way to watch people play games. Through the app, gamers who broadcast their matches (known as streamers) play their favorite titles while providing running commentary on the action.

Thee app has grown into the largest live-streaming platform of its kind, with millions of log ins daily. The reasons behind its popularity are numerous. Firstly, Twitch is streamed live and broadcasts several e-sports competitions. Secondly, Twitch is interactive, with entertaining streamers. you can also be part of a community and learn to improve at a game from watching others. Furthermore, there is a huge selection of games to watch, wide choice of content not related to gaming as well as a lot information for creators about the opportunities to make money doing what they love.