Facebook Gaming iOS app launched but without the instant gaming feature to meet App Store guidelines - Firstpost

Facebook has launched its gaming app, Facebook Gaming, for iOS devices on Friday (7 August).

In a series of tweets the official handle of Facebook Gaming said that they had to release the application without instant games because of Apple's strict policies.

Sharing how the main objective of the app is to stream live games (like that on Twitch), Facebook gave details about the grounds on which Apple denied them permission.

Facebook claimed that Apple rejected their app – based upon the App Store guidelines 4.7 – under the assumption that the primary focus of the app is to play games.

Facebook, however said that was not true, and also claimed that the Apple team "ghosted" them for months even after they submitted clarifications to their queries.

The firm announced that they will keep building 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 Verge, Shery Sandberg, the Chief Operating Officer, said "Unfortunately, we had to remove gameplay functionality entirely in order to get Apple’s approval on the standalone Facebook Gaming app — meaning iOS users have an inferior experience to 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

This comes just days after Microsoft spoke up against Apple's App Store guidelines that are more stringent for gaming apps than non-gaming ones

1Up In The House | SMGs and Shotguns | Subscribers Games

1Up In The House | AR & Snipers Only | Subscriber Games

Stadia, xCloud, other cloud gaming services violate App Store guidelines, says Apple