Facebook is looking to greatly expand their influence in the future. In addition to their rebrand to Meta, they have also looked into other services that they can launch. They have run a games service through their Messenger app for some time now, but it looks like they will be shortly looking into other types of gaming. Up first will come a browser-based multiplayer Pac-Man.
What Will This Pac-Man Game Be Like?
Pac-Man is a classic arcade game that most will be familiar with. The flashing ghosts and iconic Pac-Man sounds are ingrained in gaming, and Pac-Man as a character is a massive part of pop culture. Therefore, it is not an odd choice for Facebook to choose him as their first choice when it comes to expanding their gaming platform.
They have chosen to do so over several fronts. Firstly, they will introduce a co-op mode that users will be able to play with friends. Up to four players will be able to come together for this game, and it should not be too different from any other game Facebook currently offers through their platform.
Where some of the difference comes in will be with the Facebook Interactives features. Facebook wants to create a gaming platform that on paper does not seem to be too dissimilar to Twitch. A big part of Twitch’s culture comes from the relationship streamers hold with their chats, with some gamers even handing over control of their games to the Twitch chat itself. Through Facebook’s Watch Mode, the audience will have the choice to either help or hinder the Pac-Man or the ghosts. If we know anything about the chaos that can be found in some streamers’ Twitch chats, we can only imagine that they might choose to hinder more than help!
Is There a Demand for Browser-Based Games?
Of course, when considering this move from Facebook, you have to consider whether or not there is a demand for browser-based games. Whilst many would imagine that the shift is moving towards apps and other games that are based away from browsers, we can see that plenty of people are still logging on to play these types of games.
They can range from games hosted at online casinos with tons of free spins promotions and exciting bonus offers to classic puzzlers and time management games that have delighted internet users for years. The rise in smartphone gaming hasn’t even overly affected people’s love for browser-based games. Yes, there are plenty of apps that could capture the attention of a player, but there are still plenty online that might also hold their interest. Having a smartphone simply means that players are able to access their favourite games through the browsers on their phone. No download is needed to start playing – just a good Wi-Fi connection.
Expansions for Facebook
The introduction of this type of gaming is a new venture for Facebook. They already have a gaming platform, and their distinct move towards video content means that they are thinking of how they can expand and gain a further audience. Their current model seems like they are trying to compete with Twitch. The new moves proposed, fronted by this interactive Pac-Man game, is clearly an attempt to replicate some of the engagement that Twitch streamers can see when playing their games.
Facebook has always pushed to be seen as a space for communities. This has taken many forms over the years. The changes currently being proposed and the shift towards a metaverse are certainly nothing unexpected. It will be very interesting to see firstly how Facebook’s users will view these changes, and then what the social media platform will do with them next.
They are not alone here. Many other social media platforms have been experimenting with new styles of content to see what they could get in terms of engagement. Facebook has made it clear that they wish to be seen as a place for gamers and their fans to interact. Though things are starting with just Pac-Man, there is no telling what they might decide to introduce in the future. With the right selection of games behind them, Facebook could build themselves into a very credible gaming platform. Will they ever manage to rival the likes of Twitch or YouTube? Maybe not, but they could become the go-to platform for a number of exclusive games. Only time will tell what they are able to achieve thanks to these new changes!
I'm a published author and proud US Army veteran who happens to be a gamer, so I decided to combine the two and love every minute of it! Feel free to contact me with any questions or comments and I'll be sure to get back to you.
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