Meta announced on Tuesday that it is cancelling the standalone Facebook gaming app this October 28. The gaming app is running for only over two years.
According to TechCrunch, a banner saying that the app will no longer be available on iOS and Android after October 28 appear when you open the app. Likewise, it won't be accessible on the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
Meta Started Notifying Users of the Gaming App's Shut Down
In an announcement, Meta has started informing users that it would soon shut down the standalone Facebook Gaming app.
"We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of you for everything you've done to build a thriving community for gamers and fans since this app first launched," reads the memo signed by The Facebook Gaming team, as cited by CNN.
According to Matt Navarra, through an in-app notification, users were notified that both iOS and Android versions of the app will no longer work on October 28.
As per Engadget, users have the chance to download their search data before the app is discontinued. Meta is also reminding users that Facebook Gaming "isn't going away entirely."
To watch the creator's livestreams, users just have to proceed to the Gaming tab in the main Facebook app.
According to CNN, a spokesperson for Meta confirmed the news but further added that "people will still be able to find their games, streamers, and groups on the main Facebook app."
The Gaming app was released by Meta in 2020 in response to the competition with Twitch and YouTube, as per TechCrunch.
The app was designed to highlight content from streamers. Meta also wanted to give users a group chat and other community features.
Meta did not provide further details why the company decided to cancel the standalone app.
Engadget speculated that it could be due to cost-cutting efforts that was intended to help it "weather" what Meta's CEO calls "one of the worst downturns the company has seen in recent history."
Meta Said it Will Continue to Support Gaming Communities
When Meta launched the Gaming app in 2020, it experienced some difficulties particularly because Apple rejected it a couple of time times.
Apple's rules prohibit apps which primarily distribute casual games. To be able to have it in iOS, the actual gameplay functionality was removed from the app.
In a statement issued by Meta's spokesperson to TechCrunch, the company said that it will continue to offer support to the gaming communities, developers, and creators through the main Facebook app.
Meta's announcement to shut down the Gaming app was made as the company is testing new services and cancelling old ones.
Just recently, Facebook also shut down its live shopping feature in favor of Reels. After October 1, Facebook users will not be able to host any new or scheduled live shopping events on the platform.
Just like the Gaming app, livestream video shopping rolled out to Facebook two years ago after the company conducted smaller trials and beta tests.
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