Threads Plans Adding In-Chat Games

Meta is working on and testing in-message games for its Threads app. In a post on Threads earlier today claims that it is investigating games in chats, starting with a basketball match. By making the platform a more flexible messaging tool, this endeavour seeks to improve user engagement and retention. A representative for Meta told members of the press that the game is being prototyped internally and is not yet accessible to the general public. 

The main game found is a mini-game with a basketball theme. Through the use of a “tap-and-swipe” mechanism, players can shoot virtual hoops and compete with others in a chat room for high scores.

Reverse engineer Alessandro Paluzzi, who frequently discovers unpublished features while they’re still in production, was the first to notice the game. Paluzzi posted a screenshot of the basketball game, which seems to allow players to make virtual baskets with a finger swipe. Like other mobile basketball games, the game’s concept is probably to let friends compete to see who can score the most baskets.

These games don’t need any further downloads or lobbies because they are “lightweight” and instant-action.

Threads would have a competitive edge over rivals like X (previously Twitter) and Bluesky, which do not currently have integrated gaming elements, a built-in game, by integrating games natively, if in-message games were introduced. Additionally, it might make Threads more competitive with Apple’s Messages, which allows games through third-party apps like GamePigeon.

It’s unclear when or if Meta intends to formally release games in Threads messaging, just like with any internal prototype.

It’s also important to remember that Instagram introduced a hidden emoji game in direct messages last year, so Meta has previously experimented with in-message gaming. The object of the game is to keep an emoji of your choice afloat and constantly bouncing by using your finger to move the paddle at the bottom of the screen. You lose if you allow the emoji to fall. The goal is to outscore everyone else in the discussion by competing with them.

As Meta continues to develop Threads with new features to compete with its rivals, the internal prototype is released. For instance, the site has added new subjects to its Communities section, probably with the intention of luring people away from X and Reddit. Additionally, it introduced a feature called “disappearing posts,” which allows users to express their opinions and participate in discussions that are automatically archived after a day.

Apple’s Messages, which provides games through third-party integrations like GamePigeon, is a target for Meta.

Meta intends to increase the frequency of interactions in Direct Messages (DMs), where a substantial amount of user time is spent on its other platforms, such as Instagram, by incorporating light-hearted, low-lift features.

Despite having 400 million monthly users, Threads still has a long way to go before catching up to X in the United States, according to data from a report published a few weeks ago by the Pew Research Centre. Statistically, 21% of American adults reported using X, compared to just 8% who reported using Threads and 4% who reported using Bluesky, according to the research.

This action comes after other recent additions meant to extend the app’s capabilities beyond a basic text feed, such as the Threads Communities with extended subjects to attract Reddit and X members. Also disappearing posts which is to promote impromptu discussion, content is automatically archived after 24 hours. Up to 50 people can participate in a single chat using group messaging.