Steam Finds New Competitor in Facebook's Gameroom for Windows PCs

The beta build of Steam's possible formidable competitor is out, thanks to Facebook. The new game platform player called Gameroom is compatible to all desktops with Windows version 7 and higher. This is Facebook's dedicated gaming zone that is no longer tethered to flagship Facebook app's news feed and other distractions for hardcore gamers.

The latest offering from Facebook is now downloadable globally as Facebook Gameroom beta version. It boasts of features like ability to log out of Facebook to use the gaming interface and play as guest options. Given Steam's cultic following among gamers, Facebook Gameroom beta version will have some large shoes to fill.

Prior to this Facebook Gameroom announcement in beta format, the social media giant was known for making waves in mobile gaming platforms before Android and iOS went mainstream and took over the lion's share of the market. Before the smartphones took over in the mobile gaming arena, Facebook made a lot of headway and profit. They recently made lots of name changes until they broke the silence with the announcement of Facebook Gameroom for Windows desktop PCs.

Steam, on its side of the fence, just upped the ante and standards for game makers and developers. They are planning to require actual game screenshots for games' marketing collaterals and promotional materials on Steam and elsewhere. This measure of providing actual game screenshots prevents misleading images or visuals on marketing materials to boost sales of the games on Steam.

Right before the Facebook Gameroom announcement, Steam had its successful annual Halloween sale of selected games. The Steam platform is hugely popular in the gaming industry and continues to command the gaming market. Browser-based gaming company Kongregate also joined the fray of Steam's game providers recently.

Until Facebook Gameroom gains the traction that Facebook hopes it will gain in the gaming industry once again, Steam remains the authority for launching up and coming games. Steam's review platforms serve as a firm judgment call on games. Recent public game controversies such as that of Football Manager Studio game's negative reviews from Steam users, for example, can make or break the game's future.