Epic Games will remove Houseparty from app stores, and shut down the app in October, to concentrate on its metaverse efforts.
Epic Games has announced that it is shutting down its group video chat app Houseparty, “immediately” removing the app from all app stores. Those who already have and use the app or have integrated it into Fortnite, will see their service shut down in October.
Related | J Balvin Joins Fortnite’s Icon Series
The creators of the popular Meerkat live streaming app launched Houseparty back in 2016, and Fortnite’s developer, Epic Games, purchased it in 2019 for a reported figure of $35 million – just in time to experience a soar in popularity during the pandemic.
Last year, Epic integrated Houseparty into the Fortnite gaming experience, allowing users to engage in live social communications while playing – without interrupting their game, or having to use external apps.
Then, earlier this year, Epic Games raised $1 billion to develop its vision of building the metaverse.
According to Epic, tens of millions of people have used the app, however, the company explains that it has taken the difficult decision to discontinue it. From now on, “the team behind Houseparty is working on creating new ways to have meaningful and authentic social interactions at metaverse scale across the Epic Games family.”
Now, the company will be working on updating the app and repurposing it with a new focus on immersive social interactions.
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