In a surprise announcement, Meta has confirmed the official retirement of its Facebook Gaming Creator Program, the closing of an era for thousands of streamers who established their communities on the platform. The program will be completely retired in 2026, and partner support will conclude on October 31, 2025. For most creators, this marks a dramatic change in the way gaming content will be supported on Facebook in the future.
What Was the Facebook Gaming Creator Program?
In 2018, Meta launched the Gaming Creator Program as a response to Twitch and YouTube Gaming. The program provided streamers with early access to products, one-on-one support, and monetization features such as Stars, subscriber subscriptions, and brand collaborations. Facebook Gaming even surpassed YouTube in watch time for gaming content at the height of its growth, following aggressive scaling and creator rewards.
Why Is Meta Closing It Down?
Meta’s move to end the program is a part of a larger strategy. Instead of having distinct programs for gaming, lifestyle, and other niches, Meta is moving toward a single creator monetization ecosystem. This entails combining gaming creators with all other content creators in Meta’s overall monetization tools like Reels bonuses, ads, and subscriptions.
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Meta’s intention is to make support more streamlined and deliver more scalable tools for all types of content. However, most game creators believe this action waters down the specific needs of the gaming segment.
What’s Next for Gaming on Facebook?
Though the shutdown might feel like a retreat, it’s also a chance. Meta is continuing to invest in creator tools, and gaming content isn’t vanishing—it’s adapting. Creators who evolve into new formats and diversify their platforms could find new success. That being said, numerous streamers are already beginning to look elsewhere, such as Twitch, YouTube, and Kick, where gaming is still a priority.
