Facebook Messenger is a brilliant thing. Not only does it let us chat to our mates, anytime, anywhere, for free, but thanks to an increasing number of games that have been drip-fed on to the platform, it also offers up some secret entertainment for when the conversation dries up.
Instant Games on Messenger
Facebook has finally got the hint and added a load of games into the main Messenger app. Starting from today (May 2), you’ll find a new ‘Games’ button down near the camera button on both iOS and Android (don’t panic if you don’t, this is a gradual rollout over the next few weeks and you will soon enough).
- Words With Friends
- Pac-Man
- Space Invaders
- 8-Ball Pool
- Snake
- Batman’s Bat Climb
- Cooking Mama
- EverWing
- Solitaire
- Blackjack
- Gin Rummy
- Sudoku
So expect a load more once developers catch a whiff of success, with Facebook claiming up to 50 different playthings to be available in the launch window. These turn-based games can be played in the chat and also include leaderboards and tournaments.
Want to kick it slightly more old-school? It’s time to head for the emojis rather than the menu screen. If your attempts at casual chat are turning into a bit of an own goal, Facebook’s hidden football game could help lift the mood, assuming your friend’s up for a quick kickabout.
That’s it. Well, almost. Click on the soccer emoji you’ve sent and a keepy-uppy game will emerge before your eyes. Now all you’ve got to do is tap on the ball to keep it off the ground. Get past 10 points and things will get a bit trickier as… Well, give it a go and see for yourself.
For when your chat is anything but a slam dunk, Facebook’s hidden basketball game can provide hours of fun – seriously, this thing is ridiculously addictive.
Both you and your friend can play within the chat window, with both players’ high scores logged in the message feed – just so bragging rights can be duly appointed. If you hate losing, don’t worry. A crafty YouTuber has found a brilliantly simple way to cheat at Facebook’s hidden basketball game using nothing but a ruler – you’re welcome.
Not everyone’s into basic swipe-based ball games. If your gaming tastes are a little more highbrow, Facebook’s hidden chess game is going to be more up your street. Finding Facey-B’s chess title is a little bit trickier than sending a picture-based word replacement. Instead, typing “@fbchess play” into a chat window should see a digital chessboard appear in a magical, Harry Potter-impressing fashion.
Every time you want to make a move, you’ll need to type “@fbchess” followed by the piece abbreviation and the code for the square you want the piece to fill – confused?
Keep this page bookmarked too – we’ll continue to update it as new Facebook games are unearthed.