Facebook chat allows users to connect and communicate with friends and family easily through messaging. Over the years, Facebook has introduced new features to make chatting more fun and engaging. One popular feature is the ability to play games directly in chat without leaving the Facebook app.
Built-In Facebook Chat Games
Facebook has included a selection of mini-games that can be launched directly from a chat thread. These simple games allow you to play directly against friends in chat. Some of the most popular built-in Facebook chat games include:
- Chess – The classic strategy board game
- Words With Friends – Word game similar to Scrabble
- Basketball – 2 player basketball game with power ups
- Soccer – Head to head soccer match
- Galaxy Attack – Space shooter game
- Sudoku – The popular number puzzle game
- Solitaire – Classic solitaire card game
To start playing one of these games in chat, simply open a chat thread with a friend and tap on the game controller icon. This will open up a menu of built-in games that you and your friend can play against each other without leaving the chat.
How to Play Built-In Facebook Chat Games
Here is a quick guide to get started playing built-in Facebook chat games:
- Open a chat thread with a friend in the Facebook app.
- Tap the game controller icon in the chat window.
- Select one of the available games from the list.
- The game board will open directly in the chat thread.
- Take turns playing against your friend in real-time.
- When the game is over, tap Back to Chat to return to regular messaging.
The built-in Facebook games are designed to be quick, easy to play, and seamlessly integrated into the chat experience. You don’t need to download any additional apps or leave Facebook to play.
Third-Party Facebook Chat Games
In addition to the built-in game options, third-party developers have created games and apps that can be used directly in Facebook chat.
Here are some popular games you can access through third-party apps and bots in chat:
- Slotomania – Casino style slot machine game
- Uno! – The classic card game
- 8 Ball Pool – Online billiards game
- Quick Draw! – Fast paced Western shootout game
- GamePigeon – Collection of classic games like chess, checkers, sea battle, poker, and more
- Zynga – Developer offers slots, poker, chess and more
These third-party games often provide more depth, better graphics, and additional features compared to Facebook’s built-in options. However, you’ll need to connect the third-party app or bot in order to access the games.
Connecting Third-Party Games in Chat
To use third-party chat games, you’ll need to connect the game’s app or bot to your Facebook account. Here are the basic steps:
- From chat, tap on the Add Friend or Start a New Chat button.
- Search for the game app or bot you want to add.
- A window will pop up – tap Add and Continue.
- Follow the prompts to connect the app/bot to your Facebook account.
- Once connected, you can select the game app/bot in your chat list to play.
Make sure to review the permissions for any third-party apps to ensure they are safe to connect. Many popular chat games like Slotomania, Uno!, and GamePigeon are secure and virus-free options.
Launching Games in Messenger Rooms
In addition to 1-on-1 chat, you can also launch games with multiple friends in Messenger Rooms. Here’s how:
- Start a Messenger Room with friends either in the Messenger app or Facebook.
- As the room creator, tap the Add Activity button.
- Select one of the available games to launch it in the room.
- Play head to head or multiplayer games in real-time video chat.
Messenger Rooms allows up to 8 participants to play games together. It helps extend the fun and competitive nature of chat-based games to a group setting.
Playing Games on Mobile vs. Desktop
Facebook chat games can be played across mobile apps and desktop. However, the experience may vary slightly between platforms.
Some key differences include:
| Mobile | Desktop |
|---|---|
| – Touch controls optimized for tap and swipe gestures | – Point and click controls with a mouse |
| – Vertical, full screen view | – Smaller game window inside browser |
| – Access games natively in the Messenger app | – Requires Facebook browser tab to be open |
| – Alerts and notifications | – No native notifications |
While games play similarly across both platforms, the mobile experience is often smoother and more integrated. Desktop requires having Facebook open in a browser tab rather than a dedicated app.
Finding More Games to Play in Chat
If you want to explore additional chat games beyond the built-in and third-party linked options, there are a few ways to find new games:
- Search the Messenger App Store for “chat games” to see available bots and apps.
- Look for recommendations in Facebook game groups and communities.
- Search the Facebook App Center outside of Messenger.
- Use a general search engine to find top Facebook chat game options.
- Check game developer home pages for available Facebook integrations.
Some developers allow you to play standalone versions of games in chat via bookmark links. This gives you a wide range of genres and types of games to try.
Creating Your Own Facebook Chat Games
For developers, Facebook provides several APIs and SDKs to build your own games and bots for Messenger and chat. Some options include:
- Facebook Messenger Platform – Build bots with messaging capabilities, games, apps and more.
- Facebook Gameroom – Optimize PC games for Facebook integration.
- Facebook SDKs – Tools for mobile and web game development.
With the right technical expertise, you can leverage these tools to create unique gaming experiences tailored for Facebook chat and Messenger. The platform supports casual mini-games, more immersive gameplay, and real-time multiplayer capabilities.
Conclusion
Facebook chat provides a fun way to play quick games and keep in touch with friends and family. With built-in games, third-party apps, Messenger Rooms, and options to build your own games, there are limitless possibilities for gaming action.
Chat games give players an opportunity to connect in new interactive ways beyond just messaging. Trying out the variety of available games can lead to hours of entertainment without ever leaving your Facebook conversations.