Games on Messaging Apps - How Fun Is That?

Modern gamers have a lot of options when it comes to where and how to play games. As well as PCs and games consoles, they can play via VR headsets, on mobile devices, and even on TVs and some other electrical devices. Most of these devices also enable players to communicate with one another while gaming. Many messaging apps and communication tools now also offer games from within their app, which makes games even more sociable.  

Messaging Apps With Games

There are a lot of messaging apps and messaging services available. The iPhone has its own iMessage platform, while the likes of WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger can be found on most mobile devices. Because these devices already offer data transfer and communication between users, it stands to reason that they have also expanded to offer basic gaming facilities. Some of the most common include:

Telegram 

From casino Telegram bots to NFT trading games, Telegram has especially embraced the world of web 3.0 gaming. Casinos within the app enable users to message their chosen bets and the bot will do the rest. The right games are provably fair, offer the same payouts as online casinos, and are convenient.  

iMessage

iMessage offers games like two-player pool, air hockey, and chess that you can play against friends. The only real drawback is that iMessage is Apple’s native messaging app, so you’ll struggle to play against users of other messaging apps.

Facebook Messenger

 Facebook has a lot of game apps, and its messenger app enables people to play games against one another in video calls. The range of games is quite limited, however, and they are only available in video calls and not in other chats or conversations.

Discord 

Using the activities feature, you can play games with other members in Discord. Mini golf, chess, and checkers are some of the more popular Discord games on offer.

What Do You Need To Play?

Generally, all that’s required to play games in messaging apps is a compatible mobile device and the app itself. Some messaging apps like WhatsApp may require that you find games and apps outside the service. But, these are basic games so you don’t need any additional equipment like headsets or controllers.

In fact, equipment like this generally won’t work within these apps and if you do want more involved titles, you may need to look for alternative gaming platforms. Some telegram games, especially crypto casino games and web 3.0 NFT games do necessitate the use of a crypto wallet, rather than a bank account or credit card.

Pros

There are advantages to playing games in messaging apps.

Mobile

Messaging apps can be installed on mobile devices, and this is generally what they are designed for. But this enables you to play the games while you’re on the move. This means you can play the games anywhere you have access to the Internet. Whether you’re commuting to or from work, are away on vacation and don’t have access to any other platform, or if you’re just sat in front of the TV and want a quick game with a friend or a quick bet on spinning red at the roulette table, the mobility of messaging games makes them very handy.  

Free

Most games on the most popular messaging apps are free, and so too are the apps themselves, although some may offer additional and premium services. Real money casino games do require you to have an account with the casino, or to use cryptocurrency, and you obviously have to pay to bet on the outcome, but some of these apps also offer free gaming using play money. You can practice your casino gambling or play without any risk of losing money.

Sociable

Messaging apps are a convenient way to communicate with contacts. They can usually be used to have text, audio, or video conversations with friends, family and colleagues, and games can be played from within the message window. It can be a great way to stay in touch with people that you don’t get the opportunity to spend time with.

Restricted Opponents

When playing online it can be difficult to know who you’re playing against. And, in games with chat features, this can mean getting unsolicited chats and messages from strangers. If playing on game consoles or other game platforms, you may have to deal with friend requests from people you don’t know, too. Playing games in messenger apps means you will only be playing against people you know or that you want to play against.  

Cons

Although messaging app games do offer certain pros, there are drawbacks to consider, too.

Limited Game Options

Even in messenger apps like iMessage and Telegram, the game options are limited. And in some, there are only a small handful of games that can only be played during video calls. If you’re looking for an expensive selection of games, messenger apps are not usually the best places to look.

Basic Games

Even apps with a good number of games do not offer advanced games. The platforms are restricted by limited graphics and slow processing power. And because the games are generally limited to play on mobile Internet connections, this further restricts the game options available so that most games are basic turn-based games.

Lack Of Additional Gaming Features

On messaging apps, you can game, and you can chat. You won’t be able to use controllers, plug in your VR headset, or enjoy gaming features that are found on the most advanced gaming platforms. Messaging platforms aren’t meant for advanced gaming, so you won’t find advanced features.

Restricted Player Pool

While the restricted player pool can be beneficial because it means you don’t have to connect with people you don’t know, it can also restrict your gaming. If your friends and connections don’t like the games you want to play, you’ll struggle to get a game in, and some people may not be interested in playing two-player pool on their mobile phones.