Facebook Messenger now lets users play multiplayer games together during video calls, so you can see the exact look on your friend’s face when you lay down a 120-point word in Words With Friends.
Announced on Tuesday, Messenger’s new multiplayer gaming feature works on both desktop and the Android and iOS mobile apps, and has a small catalogue of 14 games at launch. These games include Facebook stalwarts such as Words With Friends, Werewolves of Silverton, and Mini Golf FRVR, as well as titles that are new to the platform such as Card Wars and Exploding Kittens.
Not all games in Facebook Messenger’s modest lineup will suit all chat groups. While Exploding Kittens can accommodate up to five players, Words With Friends only works with two. But this selection is set to grow, with Facebook indicating it plans to add more games in the future.
Game developers who are interested in making their titles available in Messenger are instructed to contact their Partner Manager.
Facebook killed its Facebook Gaming platform last year, moving games and streams to the main app’s Gaming section. However it clearly isn’t done with its attempts to combine its social network with social gaming.
How to play multiplayer games in Facebook Messenger
Starting a multiplayer game in Facebook Messenger is fairly straightforward. First, users need to start a video call with whoever they wish to play with. If you’re on mobile, tap on the group mode button in the centre of the menu bar. Then simply click or tap on the game controller icon to browse through and choose from the selection of games on offer.
