Play Games in Facebook Messenger Without Installing New Apps

Challenge anyone.

By Seth G. Macy

Facebook is launching Instant Games, a gaming platform that works inside Facebook Messenger and on the Facebook News Feed.

The HTML5, cross-platform service allows games to be launched without the need to install new apps. Seventeen games are available at launch from companies like Bandai Namco, Konami, Taito, King, and more.

Instant Games is accessed through a controller icon in both News Feed and Messenger and "allows people to easily discover, share, and play games." Scores, leaderboards, and chats can all be accessed through Messenger, and a bookmark for Instant Games is now part of Facebook.

The Facebook bookmark lets users "view and instantly replay all their favorite titles."

Launch titles for the Instant Gaming service are as follows:

• PAC-MAN (BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.)
• Galaga (BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.)
• Arkanoid (TAITO CORPORATION)
• Space Invaders (TAITO CORPORATION)
• Track & Field 100M (Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.)
• Words with Friends: Frenzy (Zynga)
• Shuffle Cats Mini (King)
• EverWing (Blackstorm)
• Hex (FRVR)
• Endless Lake (Spilgames)
• Templar 2048 (Vonvon)
• The Tribez: Puzzle Rush (Game Insight)
• 2020 Connect (Softgames)
• Puzzle Bobble (TAITO CORPORATION / Blackstorm)
• Zookeeper (Kiteretsu)
• Brick Pop (Gamee)
• Wordalot Express (MAG Interactive)

At the start of November, Facebook launched Gameroom beta, its desktop gaming client. Facebook support will be part of Unity 5.6 when it goes live.

Instant Games is available now in 30 countries for iOS 8 and higher and Android version 5 and higher.

Seth Macy is a freelance writer who just wants to be your friend. Follow him on Twitter @sethmacy, and MyIGN at sethgmacy, or check out Seth Macy's YouTube channel.

Let's block ads! (Why?)