Meta has confirmed the discontinuation of its Gaming Creator Program on Facebook, marking the end of a chapter that once aimed to rival Twitch and YouTube Gaming. The program was designed to support gaming influencers through special monetization tools and direct guidance, but its closure shows how Meta is refocusing on areas that align more with its current priorities, like short videos and AI-driven experiences.
What the Program Offers to Creators
The Facebook Gaming Creator Program gave its members a dedicated set of perks to help them grow. These included promotional boosts, Stars for fan donations, paid subscriptions, and direct support from Meta’s internal teams. It was created to give streamers the tools they needed to compete in an already crowded streaming world dominated by other major players.
What Will Be Phased Out Over Time
As the shutdown unfolds, gaming creators will gradually lose access to these exclusive benefits. Tools for monetization, such as Stars and subscriptions, may be disabled in stages. Meta has not yet shared an exact timeline for the phase-out, but the company is expected to honor existing deals and payments until the program officially sunsets. The process is likely to conclude before early 2026.
How It Affects Gaming Creators
This decision will impact hundreds of gaming streamers who built their presence on Facebook. For many, the loss of monetization options could result in lower earnings. Creators who depended on the platform’s Stars and subscriptions may have to find new income streams. Beyond money, it also means losing visibility and a familiar digital home where they once connected deeply with their gaming communities.
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Shifting to New Platforms
With Facebook scaling back, many gaming influencers are expected to move to other platforms like YouTube Gaming, Twitch, or Kick. These sites offer wider audiences, richer features, and stronger creator ecosystems. Migrating won’t be easy; streamers will need to rebuild their brands, re-engage their fans, and possibly rework content strategies to fit the tone and algorithms of their new digital homes.
Why Meta Is Ending the Program
Industry watchers say Meta’s decision stems from low engagement and limited growth in gaming compared to its rivals. While Twitch and YouTube thrive on strong creator communities, Facebook Gaming struggles to keep users entertained for long periods. The return on investment didn’t justify the resources required to maintain a separate gaming ecosystem within Meta’s broader social network.
A Change in Strategic Direction
Meta’s focus has visibly shifted toward short-form video content like Reels, which continues to perform well across Facebook and Instagram. The company is also investing heavily in artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and augmented reality technologies, seen as the backbone of its future projects. Maintaining a costly, niche gaming program no longer aligns with this evolving corporate strategy.
The Future of Gaming on Facebook
Even though the formal program is ending, gaming itself isn’t disappearing from Facebook. Users will still be able to share gaming clips, go live, and engage with fan groups. However, these will exist as general features rather than part of a dedicated program. In the coming months, Facebook’s gaming presence will likely transform into a more community-driven and less monetized experience.
What This Means for the Industry
The closure of the Gaming Creator Program reflects the fierce competition in the streaming world. Platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and TikTok Live have become dominant forces by continuously innovating for creators. Meta’s withdrawal signals that gaming is no longer central to its social mission, but it also opens the door for specialized platforms to strengthen their grip on this thriving entertainment sector.