Facebook adds live streaming, video chats support to Messenger games


More than a year after launching “Instant Games” – a new platform for gaming with friends on the Messenger chat app, Facebook has announced support for live streaming via Facebook Live and video chatting with fellow gamers.

“First, we’re launching live streaming, which will start to roll out today, to gamers who love to share their playthroughs and engage in a little smack talk. The new live streaming capability via Facebook Live makes it simple for people to play and share their experiences with those who love games on Messenger,” Facebook wrote in a blog post late Thursday.

The users will be able to record these live streams so that they can be posted to the profile afterwards.

“To start recording, just press the “;tart Live Video’ button. Once the broadcast ends the video will be published to your Page or profile so that fans and friends who missed it can watch at a later time. You can remove the video post at any time, just like any other post,” added blog.

“Over 245 million people video chat every month on Messenger. We’re excited to begin a test soon that will enable people to play games with each other while video chatting,” the company added.

Meanwhile, the social media giant also announced additions to “Instant Games” with a handful of big-name mobile titles that will be “re-imagined” for the platform.

“Launching globally in early 2018 is none other than Angry Birds, a new game built for Messenger that will feature classic gameplay with an exciting new way to challenge friends,” Facebook said.

 

 

The immensely popular game will join the recently launched Tetris which includes beloved features like marathon mode and the ability to play with friends in Messenger group chats. Here’s what Facebook noted in its blog post.

In the coming weeks and months, we’ll have even more epic games launching on Messenger:

  • Sonic Jump from SEGA, developed by SEGA HARDlight, will introduce a new, arcade style adventure to Messenger, featuring classic Sonic enemies, power-ups and traps as players challenge friends to see who can jump the farthest. Sonic Jump is rolling out now in select regions and will launch globally in the coming weeks.

  • Disney Tsum Tsum, published by LINE and launching in 2018, will bring beloved Disney characters to Messenger as players collect, connect and pop Tsum Tsum based on the popular Disney Tsum Tsum plushes.

  • GungHo Online Entertainment, Inc., makers of the hit game Puzzle & Dragons, will launch a new casual puzzle game for both existing Puzzle & Dragons fans and new players to enjoy.

(Written with inputs from IANS)