WASHINGTON: Facebook launches its cloud gaming service with several games to choose from in the app and on the browser, playable instantly, with no downloads required.
The social media giant’s gaming service is limited to mobile games. “Cloud gaming is about expanding the types of games we already offer, so we’ll start with the format people enjoy playing on Facebook: free-to-play games. That’s one of the reasons why we’re starting with games typically played on mobile devices,” says Facebook on its blog.
No special hardware or controllers is needed and the cost of trying the cloud games is reportedly $0.
The service is launching on the web and on Android, but it’s not available on iOS. Facebook blamed Apple’s App Store terms and conditions for the absence.
Facebook’s Jason Rubin told TechCrunch that Apple’s rules for cloud gaming service present “a sequence of hurdles that altogether make a bad consumer experience.”
Microsoft also launched its Xbox cloud gaming service priced at $1 for new users’ first month, in a major drive to attract casual gamers with the promise of cutting ties to the living room and as competition with Sony heats up.
Subscribers to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, priced at $14.99 monthly, will be able to play more than 150 games via the cloud on Xbox consoles, Android devices, and PCs.
Similarly, Amazon unveiled the Luna streaming video game service, challenging Microsoft, and Google in the fast-growing segment.
Luna apps for mobile devices are on their way, according to Amazon, which is pricing the new service at a $6 monthly introductory price.