<p>Facebook on Monday launched a standalone gaming app, allowing users to create and watch livestreams of games in a challenge to the Amazon-owned Twitch platform.</p>.<p>The new app was available Monday for Android devices, with a separate version for Apple's iOS in the works.</p>.<p>Facebook said the new app will enable users to watch "e-sports" or game competitions as well as participate in games with other users online.</p>.<p>The leading social network said it accelerated the launch "to encourage meaningful community interactions" for people locked down due to the coronavirus pandemic.</p>.<p>Facebook said it sees strong interest in the new app, with some 700 million of its global users already playing games or participating in gaming groups on its platform.</p>.<p>It has been testing the app in some parts of the world since 2018.</p>.<p>"The Facebook Gaming app is a focused, gaming-only experience where you can watch your favorite streamers, play instant games and take part in gaming groups," the leading social network said in a statement on Twitter.</p>.<p>"It's all of Facebook Gaming in one neat, app-sized package."</p>
<p>Facebook on Monday launched a standalone gaming app, allowing users to create and watch livestreams of games in a challenge to the Amazon-owned Twitch platform.</p>.<p>The new app was available Monday for Android devices, with a separate version for Apple's iOS in the works.</p>.<p>Facebook said the new app will enable users to watch "e-sports" or game competitions as well as participate in games with other users online.</p>.<p>The leading social network said it accelerated the launch "to encourage meaningful community interactions" for people locked down due to the coronavirus pandemic.</p>.<p>Facebook said it sees strong interest in the new app, with some 700 million of its global users already playing games or participating in gaming groups on its platform.</p>.<p>It has been testing the app in some parts of the world since 2018.</p>.<p>"The Facebook Gaming app is a focused, gaming-only experience where you can watch your favorite streamers, play instant games and take part in gaming groups," the leading social network said in a statement on Twitter.</p>.<p>"It's all of Facebook Gaming in one neat, app-sized package."</p>