This archive report was first published on 20 April 2020.
On April 20, 2020, Facebook launched a live gaming mobile app, capitalizing on the surge in video games during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company invested $700 million in the platform, targeting its 2.5 billion users who are already involved with gaming content.
The app, designed for watching and creating live gameplay, will rival Amazon's Twitch, YouTube, and Microsoft Mixer services. Originally, Facebook planned to launch the app in June but moved up its plans due to the pandemic, taking advantage of the unprecedented circumstances.
With its huge user audience, Facebook's live gaming app has high chances of success and may attract more users to the platform. The mobile gaming industry has grown significantly, with phone makers producing devices that support gaming and ease of access.
According to Newzoo, mobile games are likely to outpace PC games in 2020, accounting for 46% of the market share, while PC games will account for 23% and console games for 31%. The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a three-fold growth in mobile games, offering flexibility and portability to users compared to PCs.
Facebook's live gaming app will not support any form of advertising and includes casual games, giving unlimited access to gaming communities. The app's design focuses on interactive entertainment that brings people together, as stated by Fidji Simo, head of the gaming app.
