Facebook Gaming Slams Apple Store Over App Limitations
Facebook Gaming is not too happy with the launch of its standalone app on iOS devices and took to Twitter to slam Apple's App Store policies which prohibited it to include a certain feature that makes Facebook Gaming unique. The iOS app for Facebook Gaming can now be downloaded via the App Store but is missing the instant games feature due to strict developmental guidelines set in place by Apple.
Starting in 2016, Facebook launched its Instant Games platform that allowed developers to build mobile-friendly games that could be played without having to download an app specific for that game. These games were available to mobile users who had the Facebook Messenger App, but were moved to be a part of Facebook Gaming exclusively in 2020. Instant Games can be found under the Play Games tab through a web browser or on the Facebook Gaming app on Android mobile devices, but iOS users will not have the option to play games.
In a thread of tweets on Twitter, Facebook Gaming expressed its disappointment with App Store's policies and took the opportunity to take shots at Apple. Alongside the announcement of the iOS app, Facebook Gaming stated that Apple's policies did not allow it to deliver the quality of experience developers are used to at Facebook. Facebook claimed the app had been submitted several times over the course of six months and was continually rejected. Facebook also claimed that Apple had rejected the app claiming the app's primary purpose is to play games, although the app is clearly a streaming service.
After multiple failed attempts to repeal the rejection, Facebook Gaming decided to launch its iOS app without Instant Games. Facebook Gaming tweeted, "We’re sorry to devs and players for launching an experience that doesn’t match what you’re used to on Facebook Gaming. We’ll keep building a games platform. Playing games will always be part of Facebook Gaming whether Apple allows it in a standalone app or not." And in a final tweet, Facebook Gaming praised Apple's direct competitor by stating that the Facebook Gaming app on Android device delivered the full experience intended for mobile users.
As cool as it is to see Facebook Gaming attempt to stick it to the man, Instant Games aren't the draw for users to use their platform. Instant Games worked great on Messenger because players could directly challenge their Facebook friends, but they seem lost on Facebook Gaming. Especially in a mobile app that is used for viewing streams 95% of the time, Instant Games seem to serve little of a purpose. But in the same right, it doesn't make sense for Apple to disallow games on a streaming service, but once allowed them in a chat service. Neither were strictly meant for playing games, but having Instant Games doesn't hamper the service in any way.
Source: Facebook Gaming