Facebook has expanded its platform to include a free-to-play cloud gaming service. This service will allow users to play and stream games without ever having to download them.

Facebook Dabbles in Cloud Gaming

In a post on the Facebook Gaming Blog, the tech giant announced its new cloud gaming service. But unlike other cloud gaming services, such as Project xCloud, Google Stadia, and Nvidia's GeForce Now, Facebook's service will look a lot different in terms of available content.

Right now, Facebook is only offering small, free-to-play games. The games in its launch lineup include, Asphalt 9: Legends, Mobile Legends: Adventure, PGA Tour Golf Shootout, Solitare: Author's Tale, and WWE SuperCard. Facebook states that it'll add more games in the coming weeks, including Dirt Bike Unchained.

Facebook Cloud Gaming Golf Game
Image Credit: Facebook

Jason Rubin, Facebook's vice president of Play, distinctively notes that Facebook's cloud gaming service isn't going "to replace your favorite gaming hardware." Rubin also said that the platform's cloud gaming service is going to prioritize functionality over graphics, stating:

We believe in the long-term future of cloud gaming, but we aren’t going to try to wow you with the wonders of our data centers, compression algorithms, resolutions, or frames per second. Cloud game streaming for the masses still has a way to go.

That said, this doesn't mean that Facebook will only focus on low-demand games forever. It's simply starting with free-to-play mobile games to avoid compromising gameplay quality. As the service grows, Rubin says that Facebook's "systems and infrastructure will improve to deliver more types of games—possibly all types of games."

The platform is also allowing you to separate your regular Facebook account from your gaming account. You'll now get the chance to create a unique player name and avatar that you can use to play games with.

You can find the cloud gaming service in Facebook's Gaming tab. However, this service hasn't rolled out globally just yet. For now, you can only take advantage of free cloud games if you're located in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the US, as well as Texas and California.

Facebook's cloud gaming service will also be available for web and Android only. Rubin isn't sure "launching on the App Store is a viable path" due to Apple's strict regulations.

In addition, cloud games won't just be available from Facebook's Gaming section—they'll also be playable via interactive ads. These ads let you preview a game before playing, and will likely draw more users to the service.

Does Facebook's Cloud Gaming Service Stand a Chance?

While other cloud gaming services from Nvidia, Google, and Microsoft feature big-name games, Facebook's library is clearly lacking attractive titles. As it stands, Facebook's cloud gaming service is only suitable for casual gamers looking to kill time. It may be free, but it can't compete in terms of content.