In its effort help developers keep their players engaged, Facebook has announced a new Games SDK for PC games.
Only days after Facebook opened up its Instant Games platform to all developers who want to build HTML games for Facebook and Messenger, the company has announced a new Games SDK for PC game development. The new software development kit supports both C++ and Unity, and includes new features that Facebook says aim to help developers keep their players engaged, as well as help them understand and optimise the “impact of a game’s community activity with app events and analytics.”
The first feature is a new livestreaming API that allows developers to integrate livestreaming functionality into their games. Once it’s introduced within “the coming weeks,” the API will allow players to stream their gaming, as well as record clips and share on Facebook Pages, Groups, or their profiles with a new “clipping” feature.
Then, there’s Rewards – a free in-game rewards system that works by rewarding users for their livestream views. In the announcement for the new SDK, Facebook Software Engineer Alex Hopmann, explains that it “enables PC developers to create a meaningful watch experience for their community and re-engagement opportunities for their game by curating and granting free, in-game rewards for viewers who tune in during livestreams on Facebook.” Furthermore, the feature is designed to help “increase community interaction as players watch together and offer an incentive to jump back into the games they love.”
Rewards was previously only available to a few developers – it will now be available to all.
Another feature coming as part of the Games SDK is a new Key Player Stats feature, that allows game player stats to be integrated into Facebook Groups. This gives players the ability to post their stats and find other players to connect and compete with.
Finally, as part of Facebook‘s aim to help developers better understand the impact of their game’s community, the SDK brings PC game developers the ability to integrate custom App Events to use in their Facebook Analytics. The feature was only available on mobile and the web up until now.
Developers can find out more about the new SDK here.
You might also like
More from Facebook
Facebook Tests New Desktop Layout Redesign
Reports say that some users are starting to see a new Facebook desktop layout, with all options listed on a …
Meta May Soon Alert You When Your Posts Are Removed By AI
According to reports, Meta is rolling out a system that notifies users when their posts are removed and how.
Meta Is Working On A Universal Speech Translator
Meta's latest AI project seeks to extend advanced translation options to lesser-used languages and to develop a universal speech translator.
Instagram Retires Boomerang And Hyperlapse Standalone Apps
Boomerang and Hyperlapse standalone apps have been removed from app stores as their functionality is already available within Reels.
Meta Demos Voice Controlled Builder Bot That Creates VR Spaces
Meta's latest AI research introduces a prototype technology capable of generating immersive objects through voice commands only.
Facebook Is Removing The Ability To Create Profile Frames
As part of its efforts to continue banning anti-vax messages, Meta is removing the ability for users to create frames.
Facebook Is About To Shut Down Campus
Facebook has informed users via an in-app message that it will be shutting down Campus - its college-focused social network.
Meta Updates Its Company Values
In the aftermath of its major rebranding, Meta is announcing a new company mission formed by a group of values.
Messenger Provides New Guide On Online Safety
Messenger has published a handy decision tree graphic that guides users and parents to find the safety features they need.
