Facebook have launched their Facebook Gaming app on Google Play, with an iOS version to come after Apple’s approval.

It’s described as “a focused, gaming-only experience where you can watch your favourite streamers, play instant games and take part in gaming groups. It’s all of Facebook Gaming in one neat, app-sized package”. Facebook Gaming is its game-streaming service that was launched in 2018.

According to the New York Times, the app has no advertising (yay!), for now (oh); instead, Facebook earns money from the  “stars” that viewers send to streamers. There will be casual games included on the app, and a “Go Live” function to stream other mobile games and share the stream on the player’s Facebook page.

The app was originally meant to launch in June, with the new release date being influenced by the current COVID-19-induced quarantines. It makes sense, since gaming and streaming have seen a rise during this time.

As for the reason for the app’s existence, Facebook vice president for Gaming Vivek Sharma told the New York Times that “Facebook is focused on mobile and the new app for streaming because the mobile experience is more intense than computer viewing”.

Last year, Business Insider reported that streamers were finding it easier to grow their audience and earn money on Facebook Gaming, although it noted that Twitch was still vastly ahead in terms of active streamers and both viewing and streaming hours. We’ll have to wait and see if the Facebook Gaming app gives Facebook the boost they need.