Rolled out in 30 countries, these games are built on HTML5 mobile web standard which eliminates the need for installing clunky native apps.
Facebook is highly ambitious about its Messenger platform, and to ensure users spend more time on Messenger, it has launched a new Instant Games feature. It’s an HTML5-based gaming platform that lets you play games right inside the Messenger app, and in the Facebook News Feed on mobile and web. Users can asynchronously compete in the games instead of playing at the same time, making it convenient to try your luck to beat the opponent’s high score anytime you want.
Earlier this year, Facebook had also launched a simple basketball game that allowed users to shoot a basketball emoji to a friend, who could then play the game by tapping on it. For the new venture, Facebook has partnered with some of the best publishers to get games on its platform. Currently, there are 17 games from developers such as Konami, Taito, Bandai Namco and Zynga among others. Instant Games is launched in 30 countries, but at the time of filing this story the rollout didn’t seem to have reached India, yet.
“We believe this new cross-platform gaming experience provides a new and unique discovery surface for our games and will delight and entertain our players around the world,” Kimihiro Horiuchi, Head of Global Marketing at Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd said in a blog post. ALSO READ: Facebook is testing new ‘Rooms’ feature in Messenger that will let you chat with strangers
Talking about Instant Games, some of the popular titles include the classic games such as Pac-Man, Space Invaders, Galaga, Brick Pop, Shuffle Cats and Words with Friends: Frenzy among others. These games are compatible with Apple’s iOS 8 and above, and Google’s Android 5.0 Lollipop and above. One can access these games using the new game controller icon which sits right below where you type a message. Besides offering fun and social experience, Instant Games also includes leader boards and group thread and conversations where you can challenge and compete with anyone on Facebook Messenger. ALSO READ: Facebook Messenger secret conversation feature is now available for all, here’s how it works
Instant Games also enables a seamless cross-platform experience where you can discover new games through challenges, posts and recommendations. There is also an Instant Games bookmark where you can instantly view and replay your favorite titles. What’s more, you can have complete control of your gameplay experience by sharing scores only with your Messenger friends.