FP TrendingAug 8 2020 19:54:49 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 that they had to release the application without direct games due to the strict policy of Apple.
1 / Well, we have some good news. We launch the standalone Facebook Gaming app on iOS today! Download today https://t.co/MhNbh3nOwA
We know a lot of creators and fans have been waiting for them for a long time, so thanks for sitting tight.
– Facebook Gaming (@FacebookGaming) August 7, 2020
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 its app – based on the App Store’s guideline 4.7 – on the assumption that the app’s primary focus is on playing 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.
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.
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