Facebook Brings Cloud Games to iOS via a Web App

Apple may have indirectly provided the inspiration for the route Facebook took to bring cloud games to iOS. In just one of several instances where Facebook and Apple have butted heads, the social network released a stand-alone Facebook Gaming application for iOS last August—minus the games. The two companies were unable to reach an agreement over bringing Facebook’s HTM5-powered Instant Games to iOS, so the app enables users to watch gaming videos from livestreamers, livestream their own games and connect with gaming groups on Facebook. However, games cannot be played through it, unlike the Android Facebook Gaming app. Last October, Facebook released several cloud-streamed games, also on Android and not iOS, for the same reasons. Facebook vice president of play Jason Rubin said in a blog post at the time that the titles would have in-app purchases and ads enabled upon release, depending on game format and developer choice, adding on the topic of Apple, “Even with Apple’s new cloud games policy, we don’t know if launching on the App Store is a viable path. ‘Of course, there is always the open Internet,’ so mobile browsers may wind up being an option, but there are limitations to what we can offer on Safari. While our iOS path is uncertain, one thing is clear: Apple treats games differently and continues to exert control over a very precious resource. Stay tuned as we work out the best way for people to play games when and how they want, regardless of what device they bought.” The sentence Rubin quoted came from an update to Apple’s cloud gaming policy, which reads, “Streaming games are permitted so long as they adhere to all guidelines—for example, each game update must be submitted for review, developers must provide appropriate metadata for search, games must use in-app purchase to unlock features or functionality, etc. Of course, there is always the open Internet and web browser apps to reach all users outside of the App Store.” Indeed, Facebook followed suit with Friday’s debut of cloud games on iOS via Safari browsers. Gamers can open Safari on their device, go to fb.gg/play and browse and play cloud games, and they can also save the Facebook Gaming web application to their home screen. Cloud games are only playable in Canada, Mexico and the mainland U.S., and anyone outside of those areas can play HTML5 games in the web app. Facebook extended cloud gaming to Canada, Mexico and 98% of people in the mainland U.S. at the beginning of July, saying at the time that it had more than 25 mobile cloud games and roughly 1.5 million people playing them each month. Its partners include Ubisoft, with its Assassin’s Creed: Rebellion title. Facebook Gaming vice president Vivek Sharma said in a statement, “We've come to the same conclusion as others: Web apps are the only option for streaming cloud games on iOS at the moment. As many have pointed out, Apple’s policy to ‘allow’ cloud games on the App Store doesn’t allow for much at all. Apple's requirement for each cloud game to have its own page, go through review and appear in search listings defeats the purpose of cloud gaming. These roadblocks mean players are prevented from discovering new games, playing cross-device and accessing high-quality games instantly in native iOS apps—even for those who aren’t using the latest and most expensive devices.”

Gaming News

Facebook Brings Cloud Games to iOS via a Web App

The idea actually came from an update to Apple’s policy

David Cohen

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David Cohen