Facebook Instant Games platform opens up to all developers
After nearly 18 months in closed beta, Instant Games opens up to developers with a host of new features
After being in closed beta for nearly 18 months, Facebook Instant Games platform is officially open to all developers.
Since its launch in November 2016, nearly 200 games have been developed for the platform as Facebook has gradually added new features including turn-based gameplay, monetisation, and livestreaming.
With the formal release of Instant Games, Facebook has also announced a number of other new features that will help developers monetise and grow their games.
Along with continuing to test in-app purchases, Facebook will offer access to its Ads API for all new developers building for Instant Games. This will allow them to build automated marketing with Facebook's advertising platform, including interstitial and rewarded video ads powered by Audience Network.
Developers will also have access to Facebook's Monetisation Manager designed to help Instant Games developers maximise revenue with optimisation tools, simplified management of ad placements, and enhanced analytics functionality.
Additionally, Instant Games developers will have access to Game Switch API which will allow them to promote new games to players across the platform. Developers can also now create deep links to directly send players to their game outside of Facebook and Messenger channels.
Along with these updates, Facebook has made a number of general improvements in order to prepare the platform for wider availability, including making it easier for developers to submit and launch games directly for launch.
Developers interested in Facebook Instant Games will be able to join the development team at GDC on Monday, March 19 for its annual Developer Day.