Facebook is introducing a new feature that allows players to start games on the social network and seamlessly continue on downloaded mobile apps without losing progress. However, this capability will not be available for iPhones due to Apple’s control over the platform. In a blog post, Rubin, a spokesperson for Facebook, expressed disappointment in not being able to launch cloud games on iOS and mentioned that alternative options for iOS are being explored. He added, “Apple treats games differently and continues to exert control over a very precious resource.”
This exclusion of iPhones and iPads from Facebook’s cloud games offering is the latest criticism of Apple’s tight grip on the App Store. Many developers believe that Apple takes too large a percentage of revenue and enforces strict policies that can hinder competition. Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite, has even taken Apple to court over this issue. Apple, on the other hand, argues that its practices are reasonable and that the App Store supports independent developers by generating billions of dollars for them.
For now, only Android users and those playing through web browsers will be able to integrate with cloud games on Facebook. According to Rubin, games available in the cloud can be accessed instantly within the Facebook application or in browsers. During a trial run in select regions, approximately 200,000 people per week played cloud-streamed games on Facebook.
Rubin emphasized that Facebook still values console and PC gaming and believes that cloud gaming will complement, rather than replace, these options. Gaming has been a part of Facebook since its early days, with popular games like “Farmville” by Zynga captivating users. The initial set of games available on Facebook’s cloud gaming platform includes “Asphalt 9: Legends” by Gameloft and “PGA TOUR Golf Shootout” by Concrete Software.
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