Earlier today, Facebook Gaming launched several cloud-streamed games via the Facebook app on Android and through the Facebook browser. They are the latest to join the cloud streaming race alongside a few other tech giants: Google Stadia, Amazon Luna, and Microsoft’s cloud gaming (which is a part of Game Pass Ultimate).
Although, it may look like they are just trying to cash in on the hype of cloud gaming. Facebook has assured users that they will do things differently than the previous cloud game streaming options.
Facebook Gaming is attempting to learn from the mistakes of cloud gaming services, which have often been criticized for “overpromising and under-delivering“. They intend to take it slow and not rush into trying to replace modern gaming hardware. Facebook’s initial game lineup is set to feature free-to-play games and games that are generally played on mobile devices.
The first set of games available this week are:
- Asphalt 9: Legends by Gameloft
- Mobile Legends: Adventure by Moonton
- PGA TOUR Golf Shootout by Concrete Software, Inc.
- Solitaire: Arthur’s Tale by Qublix Games
- WWE SuperCard by 2K
Dirt Bike Unchained by Red Bull is coming in the next few weeks.
Facebook Gaming is still currently in beta, so the selection of games will expand over the coming months. In 2021, they are looking to grow with the addition of action and adventure games. Also, depending on the format of the game and the developer, games will launch with in-app purchases and ads.
The beta service is currently being rolled out exclusively to the US. Initially, the places included in the rollout will be:
- California
- Texas
- Massachusetts
- New York
- New Jersey
- Connecticut
- Rhode Island
- Delaware
- Pennsylvania
- Maryland
- Washington, D.C.
- Virginia
- West Virginia
Currently, Facebook Gaming has plans to roll out the cloud gaming service across the US but has not mentioned any international release as of yet. If you want to read more about the Facebook Gaming Cloud streaming service, you can check it out on their announcement blog.