As we’ve continually said, Facebook seems bent on making people not want to leave their Messenger app. They’ve added a lot of new features like chatbots, Instant Articles, Group Calling, shopping options, plus more messaging add-ons like emoticons, stickers, animations, and mini-games. They have brought it one step further when they announced earlier this week that they’re letting users play Instant Games now on the messaging app. Starting a game is actually pretty easy (the rest of it is of course up to you).
The first step is of course to update your Messenger to the latest version through the Google Play page. Once you’re on the updated version, start a new chat with one of your contacts. You can either tell the person in advance you want to play a game or just surprise them. In the feature strip, you’ll see a game controller icon next to the GIF button, which of course means you have to tap it to start.
A list of the available games will appear. This includes popular games like Words With Friends, PacMan, Galaga, Everwing, Space Invaders, and many more. Press Play Now on the game that you want to use and then start actually playing it. Once your turn is done, your contact will be asked to challenge your score and so it’s their turn to play. You will also be able to search for games in the Messenger search field or through your Facebook News Feed.
The most important thing to know by now is that this has rolled out to 30 countries initially, including the US, Canada, the UK, Japan, Singapore, and other countries in Europe and Asia. They will probably expand it even more soon, so if your country isn’t included yet, then be content with playing hoops and football on your Messenger for now.
