Facebook’s gaming app is to be shut down

Facebook’s video game live streaming app, Facebook Gaming, is being shut down after just two years on the market and will no longer work as of October 28.

Popular Twitch streamer Gothalion shared a screenshot of a new message that has appeared on the app sharing the shutdown news and warning users to download any search data while they still can.

“Beginning on October 28, 2022, the Facebook Gaming app for iOS and Android will no longer be available,” the post said.

“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.

“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.”

As indicated by the message, all streaming functionality will still remain on the main Facebook app or webpage, the specific app to watch video game livestreams will just no longer work. The company had invested fairly significantly in the app since it was launched in 2020, even taking on YouTube by introducing an on-demand initiative called Stars for Gaming Videos on Demand.

Facebook’s parent company Meta is still locked into gaming in other ways, perhaps most prominently with its Meta Quest VR headset. It’s also reportedly planning to release two more gaming headsets by 2024 alongside two work-focused ones too.

Source: IGN