Facebook announced a partnership today with game engine company Unity that lets developers port their games using that engine onto Facebook, as well as a new desktop gaming platform that is still in development.
This new relationship allows developers and publishers of Android and iOS mobile games to bring their product to the desktop. This sets the platform as a sort of competitor to Steam and GOG, who until now enjoyed the position as the largest gaming platforms to bring mobile software to the desktop. In the past, Unity developers had to work with Facebook's SDK to bring games onto the web platform. This new platform will run on different kinds of PCs, but the social media company did not specify plans to support Mac or Linux.
Developers looking to add their games to this platform must apply by August 31st for a closed alpha of the export tool, which will be integrated into the Unity Editor. This platform allows developers using the engine to to deliver their games to the more than 650 million people who play games connected to Facebook.
According to TechCrunch, Unity says the platform will likely support more "immersive" hardcore games, the kind you would expect to see on a console or Steam. The Facebook and Unity platform allows users to search and discover games to play.
This is not the first time Facebook has paired with Unity. The social network titan previously partnered with Unity Technologies to create support and game development for Oculus Rift.
Facebook first announced back in May its interest in a desktop platform. Originally called "Facebook Games Arcade," the platform promised a faster gaming experience.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojDZRWsR96I
What are your thoughts on a Facebook and Unity gaming platform akin to Steam and GOG? Would you be willing to use your Facebook account as your gamer tag? Would you try playing a hardcore Farmville? Let us know in the comments below!
