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Pac-Man, Space Invaders coming to Facebook Messenger

Johannesburg - Seventeen classic games are coming to Facebook Messenger, including Pac-Man and Space Invaders.

Facebook announced this week that its one-billion strong Messenger users will soon be able to play 17 games from Facebook’s new 'Instant Games' cross-platform gaming experience.

The service was opened to 30 countries at launch and requires those who want to play to have the latest version of the Messenger app installed on their device. The service has yet to launch in South Africa.

READ: Facebook readies African internet satellite launch

“This gaming experience will first roll out to 30 countries, and is available for newer iOS and Android operating systems,” Facebook said in a statement.

In the latest version of the app, users will be able to open a conversation with a friend, tap on the game controller icon just below where you type your message, and choose a game to start playing.

READ: Why 90s game consoles are making a comeback

After one round of a game is finished, people in the conversation will see the score and will have the opportunity to challenge again.

The games also allow users to congratulate or trash-talk each other by screen-grabbing and editing images in the game.

“Social, fun and competitive, games on Messenger feature score-based leaderboards, in-context chat, and group thread conversations to challenge, celebrate and congratulate,” Facebook said.

READ: Facebook projects more costs with slower ad sales

The social network is expected to launch with the 13 titles from Bandai Namco, Sega and other game developers – while Facebook says more will be added in the future.

“The one billion people who use Messenger every month connect, banter and share in so many ways. Now they can connect and compete over their favorite games. We think this is just the beginning for games on Messenger — look for new titles to be added, and for new ways to play,” they said.

Here is the full list of games that will be available on launch:

1. EverWing
2. Galaga
3. Shuffle Cats Mini
4. Pac-Man
5. Words with Friends
6. Hex Frvr
7. Arkanoid
8. Templar 2048
9. 2020 Connect
10. Brick Pop
11. Bust-A-Move-Blitz
12. Track & Field 100m
13. The Tribez – Puzzle Rush
14. Zookeeper
15. Endless Lake
16. Wordalot
17. Space Invaders 

@KyleVenktess on Twitter.


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