Facebook users it’s time to get upgraded! Here come the new augmented reality-based games to Messenger, which users can play during video chats. Facebook is continuing to build on its interactive AR tools. This addition to Messenger will have you dodging asteroids and trying to keep a straight face.
Up to six people can participate in the game at a single go. This option will be made available for the users at any time during a video chat. The idea is to make Messenger as lively and multifaceted as possible.
There is a new star icon on the screen to be selected when you start a messenger video chat. There will be a notification triggered to everyone in the video chat informing them that the game is about to start. There are only two games available at the launch and more additions are getting planned.
“Asteroids Attack” and “Don’t Smile,” these are the two games which incorporate augmented reality, and overlays digital objects like sunglasses or flower crowns on the real world.
“Don’t Smile”challenges clients to do precisely what the name proposes: maintain a straight face for as long as possible. Whoever smiles first will see their face morph into a gigantic grin.
In “Asteroids Attack,” move your head from side to side to navigate a spaceship and avoid hitting obstacles. More games, including one where you throw a virtual beach ball back and forth among friends, are coming soon.
These games are effectively a way to pass the time while you are video chatting , rather than something you’d ever play on your own.
Instructions on how to play the games:
- Make sure you have the latest version of Messenger.
- Open an existing conversation or find the person or group of people you’d like to chat with and tap the video icon on the upper right corner of the screen.
- Then simply tap the star button and select one of the AR games – the person or group you are video chatting with will get a notification indicating it’s time to get your game on.
TechCrunch, reports that there will be no sponsored branding or advertising in the new game at the launch time, nor will they be accessible as an innovative choice for developers by means of AR Studio, however Facebook will clearly have the capacity to investigate such open doors in future.
Facebook and other social media platforms are being used at a greater level by the users these days. Facebook reports that over 17 billion video chats were conducted on Messenger last year.
It makes sense for Facebook to add more options for Messenger Video Chat.
Leaning into Augmented reality aligns with the broader trends around group video chat tools, especially among younger users.
Facebook calls this new suite of augmented reality tools for Messenger as the world effects. Now with more than 1.3 billion users, Facebook Messenger is seeking for more ways to keep people engaged.
