The Evolution of Gaming Platforms: Facebook's Limits and Google's Future

Facebook has traditionally struggled as a platform for social gaming, with critics and some developers arguing that it was never intended to be a primary gaming hub. This article explores the current state and future of gaming platforms, focusing on the shift from Facebook to Google. We will examine why Facebook is less suitable for social gaming and how Google is positioning itself as a more robust future alternative.

Why Facebook Falls Short for Social Gaming

Facebook’s limitations as a gaming platform are evident when compared to more established gaming ecosystems like Microsoft's Live system, Steam, and other refined social networks. Critiques highlight that Facebook's core strengths lie in social networking rather than gaming. This inherent lack of focus makes it a poor fit for developers and players alike.

A notable example is the development of the Final Fantasy series. While the main games are primarily console or PC-based, the social aspects and expansion packs have often been relegated to mobile and social networks. This trend shows that while these platforms can enhance gaming experiences, they are not a replacement for core gaming platforms.

Google’s Vision for the Future

Google is positioning itself as a leader in the gaming industry by focusing on HTML5 and developing new platforms that support more robust applications. By embracing HTML5, Google is enabling developers to create applications that run seamlessly across various devices and platforms, ensuring a better user experience.

The company is also investing in platforms like the upcoming GoogleMe, which promises to integrate social networks with gaming more effectively. This move signal's Google's long-term vision of a unified gaming and social experience, leveraging its vast user base and advanced social graph to enhance user engagement.

Future of Gaming Platforms

As more developers align with Google, the gaming landscape is likely to shift towards platforms that provide a more versatile and robust environment for game development. Unlike Facebook, which remains the dominant player in social gaming, Google is setting the stage for a new era in gaming.

In the past, large gaming companies have benefited from multiple distribution channels. For instance, once the best distribution channel for certain social games, Facebook still retains its significant advantage with over 500 million users. Even Google's potential new gaming platform, if integrated with GoogleMe, would still need to compete for developers’ attention alongside existing channels like Facebook.

Companies like Zynga have taken a strategic approach by maintaining relationships with both Facebook and Google. Zynga's decision to use Facebook Credits reflects a pragmatic choice to secure distribution avenues rather than a shift away from Facebook. In essence, companies are hedging their bets by leveraging multiple platforms to mitigate distribution risks.

Conclusion

The move towards more robust gaming platforms like Google's signifies a significant shift in the industry. While Facebook remains strong in its current domain, Google's strategic investments in HTML5 and new platforms are positioning it as a formidable rival. For developers and gamers alike, the future is likely to be defined by a mix of platforms that offer the best combination of user engagement, robust features, and strategic leverage.

Key Takeaways: Facebook is not well-suited for social gaming due to its focus on social networking. Google is advancing HTML5 to support more robust gaming applications. Developers are hedging their bets by aligning with multiple platforms.