Facebook Gaming iOS app launched but without the direct gaming feature to comply with App Store guidelines- Technology News, Firstpost

FP TrendingAug 10 2020 09:23:01 IST

Facebook launched its gaming app, Facebook Gaming, for iOS devices on Friday (August 7). However, it had to forgo its mini-game feature in the app due to the limitation of Apple’s App Store policy.

This move came after “months of submission and rejection” by Apple. In a series of tweets the official handle of Facebook Gaming said they had to release the application without direct games due to Apple’s strict policy.

Sharing how the main purpose of the app is to stream live games (like that on Twitch), Facebook gave details about the reasons why Apple refused its permission. Facebook claimed that Apple rejected their app – based on the App Store Guidelines 4.7 – under the assumption that the primary focus of the app is to play games. However, Facebook said that was not true, and also claimed that the Apple team “haunted” them for months, even after submitting explanations for their questions.

2 / But for FB game developers and gamers … we have some bad news. After months of submissions and repeated rejections by Apple, we had to remove direct games completely from the standalone app. pic.twitter.com/aydUh0EgSM

– Facebook Gaming (@FacebookGaming) August 7, 2020

Facebook also seemed to criticize the process of getting approvals for publishing apps at Apple Store.

“We can afford to pass ~ 6 months on Apple reviews, but many others can not. And although we could have tried additional appeals, we did not want to hold back from launching the version for livestreamers and fans.”

The company announced that they are continuing to build a platform that allows users to play games on the app, whether Apple allows it in a standalone app or not.

In a statement to The edge, Shery Sandberg, the Chief Operating Officer, said “Unfortunately, we had to completely remove gameplay functionality to get Apple’s approval on the standalone Facebook Gaming app – which means iOS users have an inferior experience for those using Android . “

She further said that Facebook will strive to bring the complete experience of Facebook gaming to iOS users, even if it is not through a standalone app.

The social media giant launched the gaming app to give avid gamers and streamers a basic common platform. Both Android and iOS users use Twitch for the same purpose. There are certain mini-games available for the Android users that their iOS counterparts should have without.

This comes just days after Microsoft spoke out against Apple’s App Store guidelines which are stricter for gaming apps than non-apps.