Facebook is making a push into PC gaming with the developer launch of its Gameroom Windows desktop gaming platform.
Originally named Facebook Games Arcade, Gameroom went through several name changes, beta tests and developers' feedback before it settled on its final name and opened up its current beta version to all developers.
Gameroom allows users to play Facebook's traditional web games away from the distraction of the news feed. It also allows them to play ported mobile games and native Gameroom games.
Most hardcore gamers wouldn't touch Facebook games with a 10-foot pole, but those are exactly the same people Facebook hopes to attract from competitors such as Steam. To that end, Facebook has designed the Gameroom SDK to make it easier for developers to create online games with social networking features.
The official Gameroom launch for consumers will happen next year, around the same time Unity 5.6 will be released with the ability to export games directly to Gameroom.
