September 13, 2021
Note: As part of the migration to Facebook Login for Gaming, all Instant Games must go through App Review and request user_friends and gaming_user_locale permissions if they are using them (advanced access). These permissions must be approved by March 15, 2022.
Starting in September, we will be automatically migrating all Instant Games from the existing player permissions interface to Facebook Login for Gaming.
Our vision is for all games to be connected to Facebook via Facebook Login for Gaming because it gives players a fast, convenient way to log in on multiple platforms. Importantly, Facebook Login for Gaming is the foundational layer that unlocks new features that our Gaming team is building.
New Player Permissions
For players, their permissions interface will look very similar after the migration. However, they will be able to customize more privacy options if they go into Settings.
At login, the default information provided is their real profile with first name and real picture, same as the existing permissions interface.
Players will now have access to a permission control system by going into Settings.
In Settings, they can change their name to a gaming tag and picture to a gaming profile picture (avatar).
They can also control who can see that they use this app. However, certain features will not work if they choose to play privately, such as Invites and Player Finder.
Players will be notified of this update and informed on how to use the new features. For our migration, existing players will not need to re-authenticate into the games they have been playing.
New Facebook Login for Gaming Permissions Interface
Existing Instant Games Permissions Interface
Developer Work Needed
Developers will need to apply for the following permissions (request advanced access), if they are using them:
user_friends: Required only if you are callinggetConnectedPlayersAPIMore information here
gaming_user_localepermission: This is used for localization (languages, currency symbols, etc.)More information here
When to apply for permissions
Developers will be given a grace period from September 16, 2021 to March 15, 2022 during which these permissions will continue to be granted. If a permission has not been approved within this period, it will fail and additional code change may be needed, but developers can still reapply for the permissions at any time afterwards.
We recommend that developers apply early in the period so they have time to reapply if their permission requests were not initially approved.
How to submit for approvals
Developers can apply for these permissions through the standard process, via their App Dashboard (accessed through developers.facebook.com/apps) > App Review > Permissions and Features. Search for user_friends and gaming_user_locale permissions, and request advanced access.
Detailed instructions to get started
Per the instructions, developers will be asked to provide a text description and a step-by-step video recording of how they plan to use these permissions
Be as specific as possible with the description in why these permissions are needed:
user_friends(required only if you are callinggetConnectedPlayersAPI): Provide documentation on why this permission is neededgaming_user_localepermission: Provide a detailed description of how the app uses the permission, how it adds value for a person using the app and why it’s necessary for app functionality
What happens if the permissions are not approved by the deadline
Depending on the permission that has not been approved before the deadline, Developers may need to make some code changes to their game in order for it to remain playable.
user_friends: During the grace period, thegetConnectedPlayersAPI call allows your app to get a list of a person's friends using that app. If permission has not been granted by the deadline, thegetConnectedPlayersAPI call will return an empty list.gaming_user_locale: During the grace period, this parameter provides your app with a user's preferred language (e.g. en_US). If permission has not been granted by the deadline, Developers will have to change their game code to acceptgetLocale() = "". Otherwise, their game may fail to load correctly.
