Facebook is expanding further into social games with a HTML5 cross-platform gaming experience called “Instant Games,” along with 17 titles that include some familiar names like Pac-Man.
Much like the early days of Facebook’s success with Farmville, the social network is keen to use gaming as a way to keep users engaged on the platform.
The Instant Games platform works across platforms, meaning they work on the social network’s chat app and desktop News Feed, without having to install additional apps.
Facebook initially launched two messenger games, simple football and basketball challenges, earlier this year as secret features within the app.
However, the new roster of 17 titles are easily accessible via the new game controller icon below Messenger’s text box or through the website’s new Instant Games tab.
The company says they offer a “fun and social experience,” letting users compete with others for a place on the leaderboard. However, players can choose to only share scores with people you’ve played with before.
View a sample of how the gaming experience works below:
The 17 games listed below are now available to play in 30 countries on Android and iOS devices. Facebook promises to release more games in the future and will likely make everything playable in more locations, as well.
• PAC-MAN (BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.)
• Galaga (BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.)
• ARKANOID (TAITO CORPORATION)
• SPACE INVADERS (TAITO CORPORATION)
• TRACK & FIELD 100M (Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.)
• Words with Friends: Frenzy (Zynga)
• Shuffle Cats Mini (King)
• EverWing (Blackstorm)
• Hex (FRVR)
• Endless Lake (Spilgames)
• Templar 2048 (Vonvon)
• The Tribez: Puzzle Rush (Game Insight)
• 2020 Connect (Softgames)
• Puzzle Bobble (TAITO CORPORATION / Blackstorm)
• Zookeeper (Kiteretsu)
• Brick Pop (Gamee)
• Wordalot Express (MAG Interactive)