Did They Take Games Off of Facebook Messenger?

The short answer is: Yes, and No, it’s complicated. While the direct, in-chat gameplay experience within the Facebook Messenger app on iOS is largely gone, games haven’t vanished entirely from the Meta ecosystem. The way you access and play games on Messenger and Facebook has changed significantly, especially over the past year. To fully understand the situation, let’s break down what happened and where you can still find games.

The iOS Shift and the Rise of Facebook App Gaming

Originally, Instant Games were a key feature of Facebook Messenger, allowing users to play directly within their chats. However, Apple’s app store policies forced Facebook to rethink this approach on iOS devices. In essence, Apple’s restrictions made it impossible for Facebook to maintain the native gameplay functionality directly within the Messenger app.

As a result, gameplay in Messenger on iOS now redirects to the main Facebook app. Instead of playing directly within a Messenger chat, users who attempt to access games through a thread update or chatbot in Messenger will be taken over to the Facebook app to begin the game. This change was made to ensure the continuation of gaming on the platform while adhering to Apple’s regulations.

How to Access Games Now

So, how do you actually play games now? Here’s a breakdown of the current options:

Gaming on Facebook (Web and App)

The most direct way to access games in 2023 is through the main Facebook app or website. To find games on Facebook, here’s how:
* Tap the menu icon (usually three horizontal lines) in the top right corner of the app.
* Select “Games”.
* You’ll then see a library of games to choose from. Scroll and find a game you want to play.
* Tap “Play” to launch the game.

This method works for both individual play and for some games with multiplayer options. It’s important to note that the dedicated “Facebook Gaming” app has been discontinued, with all gaming content now integrated into the main Facebook app.

Playing Games Through Messenger (Android and iOS)

While direct in-chat gameplay is limited on iOS, there is still an interactive way to play games through Messenger with friends, especially if you are on Android or in a Messenger call. Here’s how:

• Start a video call on Messenger with friends.
• Tap the “group mode” button, usually located in the center of your screen.
• Look for and tap the “Play” icon.
• From there, you can browse and select from a library of available games.

This feature requires at least two or more people in your call to play, but it provides an alternative to the standalone Facebook gaming experience and allows you to play with friends.

Instant Games and Chatbots

Some games might still be accessed through chatbots or thread updates within Messenger. However, launching these games will still lead to a redirect to the Facebook app to continue gameplay, especially on iOS devices.

Popular Games Still Available

Despite the changes, several popular Facebook games are still available and continue to be enjoyed by many users. Some of these classics include:

• Words with Friends: A classic word-based game that’s still a favorite amongst many.
• Farmville: The iconic farming simulator that defined social gaming for years.
• Draw Something: A fun drawing and guessing game.
• Texas HoldEm Poker: A digital version of the popular card game.
• Mafia Wars: A long standing online multiplayer text-based game.
• 4 Pics 1 Word: A popular puzzle game.

These are just some of the many games that continue to be playable on the Facebook platform, even as the way to access them has evolved.

Why the Changes?

The biggest reason for the shift was due to Apple’s restrictions and guidelines. Facebook, like other companies, has to adhere to these rules for its apps to remain available on the iOS platform. These restrictions made it impossible for Facebook to continue the direct gaming functionality in the Messenger app on iPhones and iPads, leading to the move to the main Facebook app for gameplay. Meta has reiterated their commitment to the gaming community, though the platform has changed its model.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can you still play games directly in Facebook Messenger on iOS?

No, not directly. The in-chat gameplay has been removed due to Apple’s app store policies. You must now switch to the main Facebook app to play.

2. How do I play games with friends on Messenger now?

Start a video call in Messenger, then click the group mode button, and then “Play” icon and select a game. This requires at least two people in the call.

3. Can you play iMessage games on Android?

No. iMessage games are exclusive to Apple’s iMessage platform and are not compatible with Android devices.

4. What happened to the Facebook Gaming app?

The standalone Facebook Gaming app has been shut down. Gaming content is now integrated into the main Facebook app.

5. Where do I find games on Facebook now?

Navigate to the “Games” section in the main Facebook app menu.

6. Is Words with Friends still on Facebook Messenger?

Yes, but to play Words With Friends you’ll likely launch from the icon in a chat window, and then you will be directed to the Facebook app to play.

7. What games are still available on Facebook?

Many classic games, such as Farmville, Words with Friends, Draw Something, Texas HoldEm Poker, Mafia Wars, 4 Pics 1 Word and more are still available to play.

8. Why did Facebook remove games from Messenger?

Apple’s app store guidelines forced Facebook to remove native gameplay from the iOS Messenger app.

9. Can I play games alone on Facebook?

Yes, you can play games alone by accessing them through the Games section on Facebook.

10. Why do I need two or more people to play games in Messenger video calls?

The games feature in video calls is designed for multiplayer experiences and requires at least two participants to function.

11. What is GamePigeon?

GamePigeon is an iMessage extension featuring a collection of games playable within the iMessage app for iOS users.

12. Does GamePigeon work on Android?

No, GamePigeon is an iMessage exclusive and does not work on Android devices.

13. What is the current status of Zynga games on Facebook?

While Zynga is still in the app store, players may no longer share progress on Facebook. Zynga now has its own platform.

14. What happens if I ignore a conversation in Messenger?

The person will not be notified that you have ignored the conversation. Their messages will go to a secondary folder.

15. Why might my Messenger account be restricted?

Common reasons for restrictions include sending too many messages, violating community standards, or issues with your app, device, or internet connection.

Conclusion

While the gaming experience on Facebook Messenger, particularly on iOS, has undergone significant changes, games haven’t disappeared entirely. They’ve simply shifted locations. The main takeaway is that gameplay, previously integrated into Messenger, is now primarily centered in the Facebook app or as an interactive feature of messenger video calls, particularly on Android. By navigating through these changes, you can still enjoy many of your favorite games on the platform. Be sure to check for updates, and familiarize yourself with the Facebook app’s new layout to discover all the games still available to you.