Facebook to launch gaming app as amateur-friendly Twitch competitor

Facebook is getting serious about gaming.

On Sunday, The New York Times reported the social networking service would launch Facebook Gaming — a new mobile app dedicated to livestreaming video game content — via the Google Play store on April 20. (Yes, tomorrow.) The app will be free to download, devoid of ads for now, and only compatible with Android. An iOS rollout is expected soon, pending Apple's approval. 

Facebook did not immediately return Mashable's request for comment.

A competitor to sites like Twitch and YouTube, Facebook Gaming aims to capitalize on a growing community of amateur streamers by simplifying the user experience and harnessing the accessibility of mobile games. While Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook's existing gaming presence are predominantly PC focused, the mobile app's "Go Live" feature promises to speed up sharing. Read more...