Facebook is introducing free cloud gaming to its existing app. Some of the games offered in the service are already available to play. The service is a little different from other companies offering the same service, like Amazon or Google, since they both offer standalone cloud gaming service for a fee.
“We’re not promising 4K, 60fps, so you pay us $6.99 per month. We’re not trying to get you to buy a piece of hardware, like a controller.”, Facebook’s vice president of play Jason Rubin said about the new free-of-cost gaming offering.
Facebook launched games on its platform for the first time more than a decade ago, with popular hits like FarmVille, followed by the launch of Instant Games, but since both the gaming technologies were limited to smaller and simpler experiences, the company has decided to explore the cloud. This doesn’t mean that the prior gaming services will disappear, though.
As explained by Rubin, through the cloud service, Facebook will be able to offer games that are more complex but fast and seamless.
The game titles that have been revealed as part of the cloud gaming include the 3D racer Asphalt 9 and Mobile Legends: Adventure.
The games are already being rolled out in the U.S. and will be available to play both on desktop and the app version.
Furthermore, the roll out of the new games is accompanied with a new feature of the cross-progression system. This system will be tied to the user’s Facebook login and will help keep all the progression if a user decides to switch playing a certain game from Facebook to the game’s mobile app.
While Facebook is focusing on offering the cloud gaming service for free for now, according to Rubin the company may someday opt for a premium game offering. Moreover, the service may also be integrated into Facebook Gaming, which is the company’s Twitch-style streaming service.
