On this very day, the average person has spent at least 2 hours on social media, leading platforms to compete for user engagement. A surprising contender in this competition for attention is the gaming industry. Social media giants and messaging apps are no longer content with simply connecting users, they transforming into entertainment hubs.
Social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook, as well as messaging apps like Telegram and WhatsApp, are joining the trend, each with its unique approach to gaming integration. How are these platforms using gaming to redefine social interaction and user engagement?
Telegram and the Rise of iGaming Integration
Telegram, known for its privacy features, highly customisable user experiences, and speed has become a platform where third-party developers have created gaming options. Telegram has become a playground for blockchain gaming, particularly through TON, The Open Network. This resulted in several innovative games and projects, introducing play-to-earn (P2E) gaming options to the platform.
Additionally, Telegram’s integration of Mini Apps has been crucial in gapping the bridge between traditional messaging and blockchain gaming. These lightweight JavaScript-based services allow players to access various games and other blockchain functionalities.
Telegram casino bots have transformed online gambling by integrating casino games directly into the messaging app. These bots act as an interface between players and the Telegram gambling platforms, allowing players to access games like blackjack and poker, place bets, and manage their accounts through simple chat commands. Such bots use Telegram’s API to provide players with a seamless gaming experience, woven into their in-app communication.
Facebook and the Casual Gaming Boom
Facebook has been a pioneer in integrating gaming integration into social media platforms, with early successes like Candy Crush and FarmVille. Over time, Facebook’s approach to gaming has evolved significantly, adapting to changing user preferences and technological advancements.
While the standalone Facebook Gaming app was discontinued in 2022, gaming remains an integral part of the Facebook experience. The social media giant continues to support instant games that can be played directly on Facebook Messenger, game streaming, esports content, and gaming groups to connect users.
Snapchat’s AR-Powered Games
In 2019, Snapchat introduced a unique approach to gaming by leveraging its augmented reality (AR) features. The platform did this with Snap Games, a functionality that allowed users to play games directly in their chats, resulting in interactive multiplayer gaming experiences.
What set Snapchat apart from other social media apps offering games, was its use of AR technology. This feature allowed players to overlay virtual elements onto the real world with their phone’s cameras.
An example of a great game Snapchat’s AR feature was Ghost Phone. This game allowed players to solve the mystery of what happened to a certain smartphone’s previous owner. While Snap Games is no longer available, Snapchat continues to use its AR capabilities in other areas, including filters, lenses, and various interactive features.
Instagram: Fostering a Creative Gaming Culture
Instagram, known for sharing photos and videos, has subtly incorporated gaming elements into its platform. Many users engage with features without realising their gamified nature. For instance, Instagram features by introduced interactive features quizzes, polls, and mini-games through its Stories feature.
While these gaming options aren’t as advanced as other platforms, they have allowed users to interact with their followers in creative ways. Additionally, Instagram has also become instrumental for gaming content influencers and creators. These creators use the platform to live stream gameplay, share gaming tips, and promote new titles, using Instagram’s visual-centric format to engage with gaming communities.
WhatsApp and Lite Gaming Options
WhatsApp, known for being a basic messaging app, has seen unofficial gaming integration through third-party bots. Users have begun incorporating simple games using these bots, which can run puzzle and trivia games in the app’s chat function.
These games are usually text-based and designed to be casual and light, offering brief entertainment between conversations. While WhatsApp itself doesn’t officially provide gaming features, this trend shows how users can adapt even the most basic of messaging apps to include elements of entertainment.
Conclusion
As social media and messaging apps continue to evolve, gaming has become a crucial component of their offerings. Leading companies in this space are increasingly integrating various gaming features to attract and retain users, which has transformed their apps into multifunctional entertainment hubs. While some like Facebook have a long history with gaming, others like Telegram are adapting to technological advancements to include gaming experiences to keep users engaged.
