On March 19, Facebook announced the launch of a new SDK. It is called the Games SDK and is focused on native PC gaming products. Representatives of the social network positions it as a tool for attracting and engaging gamers.
The integration of the Games SDK into the game will allow developers to implement four tools. Three of them work to increase engagement, and one – to understand and optimize the influence of the community on the game.
Games SDK Engagement Tools
Livestreaming for All
The main innovation is the introduction of real—time streaming support. In other words, after its integration and configuration, project users will be able to stream directly to the feed in real time without using third-party solutions and lengthy configuration. Whether it will be possible to save the entire stream is unknown, but its fragments will definitely be possible for users to record and then fumble.
Rewards
The second tool works closely in conjunction with streams. It allows you to reward users with in-game content for watching streams. As an example, the situation with Paladins from Hi-Rez Studios is given. During the Paladins Global Series tournament series, the developers made it so that viewers could earn a random in-game item just by watching the broadcasts.
Key Player Stats
The ability to share your game statistics in Facebook groups to find friends and partners in the game.
Tools for optimizing the influence of the community on the game
App Events & Analytics
Developers of native PC games have been able to create custom events and use the Facebook analytics system to optimize and evaluate the activity of the game audience on the social network.
Developers of social and mobile games have been using Facebook Analytics for a long time. Now it’s the turn of those who prepare games for the “big” platform.
A couple more details about the Games SDK
Now the Games SDK supports C++ and Unity. You can access the SDK at this link. The details are here.
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