How to play fun iMessage games on your iPhone, iPad and Mac

iMessage games allow you to stay connected with your friends and family in a fun and interactive way. Whether you're looking for a quick distraction during a boring workday or a way to challenge your friends to a friendly match, these games provide a great way to stay entertained and engaged. Plus, because they're built into the iMessage app, you don't need to download any additional apps or software to start playing. Victor Stephen, popularly known as VicVix, a professional gamer, shares his top picks for iMessage games and essential tips on how to enjoy them on your devices.

The first version of iMessage games was introduced in 2016 under GamePigeon, a mobile app for iOS devices. The function was introduced along with the iOS 10 update. Although the app is free to download, it contains many in-app purchases, including avatar customisations and different playing modes.

Read also

33 epic drinking games for the ultimate games night in

What are iMessage games?

These are games that you can play with your friends and family through Apple's iMessage app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. They are built into the iMessage app and are designed to be played within a conversation thread.

Popular iMessage games to play

Victor Stephen, popularly known as VicVix, a professional gamer, shared in an interview a list of his top ten favorite iMessage games based on their accessibility and entertainment value. The list is as follows:

1. GamePigeon - This app includes games like 8-ball Pool, Cup Pong, Mini Golf, Basketball, and more. It's trendy due to its diverse selection.
2. Cup Pong – A simple yet addictive game where players try to throw balls into cups, reminiscent of the party game Beer Pong.
3. 8 Ball Pool – A standalone version of the classic pool game, allowing friends to compete directly through iMessage.
4. Words with Friends – A Scrabble-like game that challenges friends to build high-scoring words.
5. Chess – A classic strategy game that can be played with friends via iMessage. It's famous for those who enjoy more intellectual challenges.
6. Four in a Row (Connect 4) – A game where players compete to line up four discs in a row before their opponent.
7. Dots and Boxes – A strategy game where players draw lines to complete boxes, and the player with the most boxes wins.
8. Checkers – A simple, strategic board game that can be played through iMessage.
9. Sea Battle – Based on Battleship, where players guess the location of each other's ships and try to sink them.
10. Word Hunt – A word search game where players race to find as many words as possible within a grid.

Read also

What is BulletBall? All you need to know about the inclusive sport

How can users find and download iMessage games on their devices?

VicVix also shared the steps for finding and downloading iMessage games on devices. He said:

Users can open the Messages app on their iPhone or iPad and access any conversation. From there, they can tap the App Store icon next to the text field to explore the iMessage App Store. They can browse various categories or search for games like GamePigeon or 8-Ball Pool.

Once they find a game, they tap to download it. The game will then be accessible within the iMessage interface, allowing them to play directly with friends.

Expert tips: how to set up an iMessage game on Apple devices

VicVix also provided steps to set up iMessage games on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. They are:

iPhone and iPad

• Step 1 - Start by opening the Messages app on your device.
• Step 2 - Open an existing conversation or start a new one with the person you want to play the games with.
• Step 3 - Tap the "App Store icon" (the "A" icon) next to the text box in the conversation.
• Step 4 - Search for iMessage-compatible games (e.g., GamePigeon, 8 Ball Pool).
• Step 5 - Once you find a game, tap "Get" to download it.
• Step 6 - After installation, the game will appear in the app drawer within iMessage. Tap it to start a game, and send an invite to your contact to begin playing.

Read also

40+ creative sleepover games for kids, teens and adults

Mac

• Step 1 - Launch the Messages app on your Mac.
• Step 2 - Open a conversation or start a new one with a contact.
• Step 3 - Although the Mac version of Messages doesn't support downloading apps directly, you can still join a game if it has already been initiated from an iPhone or iPad.
• Step 4 - If your contact sends you a game invitation, you can tap the message to play along.

While you can participate in iMessage games on a Mac, downloading new games directly from the App Store is currently only supported on iPhones and iPads.

iMessage games for different age groups

VicVix highlighted some iMessage games suitable for specific age groups. Here's a breakdown:

Ages 6-12

• Four in a Row (Connect 4)
• Dots and Boxes
• Word Hunt

Ages 13-18

• GamePigeon
• Cup Pong
• Sea Battle

Read also

15 single-player card games to keep you entertained

Adults

• Chess
• Words with Friends
• Checkers

Older Adults

• Solitaire – A calming, solo card game familiar to many older adults and can be played at their own pace.
• Sudoku – A puzzle-based number game that is great for mental stimulation and helps maintain cognitive sharpness.

How to play games on iMessage

You need to have the iMessage app installed on your device to play these phone games. If you don't have the app, you can download it from the App Store for free. Your iPhone also needs to be updated to iOS 11 or higher. The following steps are how to play iMessage games once your iPhone has met the requirements.

1. Open the iMessage app and start a new conversation with the person you want to play with.
2. Tap on the App Store icon to the left of the text field.
3. Tap on the "Games" icon at the bottom of the screen.
4. Browse the available options and tap on the one you want to play to install it.
5. Once installed, the game will appear in your iMessage app drawer. Tap on the game icon to launch it. You can now invite your friends to play the game.

Read also

33 fun games to play with your girlfriend on WhatsApp

What are the best multiplayer iMessage games?

iMessage games are meant to be enjoyed with friends and family. You do not have to play with one person at a time, as some of these fun games can be enjoyed by all the members of your group chat. Here are the best iMessage games to play in groups of more than two people.

• MojiQuest: This adventure challenge requires you to collaborate in teams. Go on quests with your friends and win loot.
• Crazy 8: Like the classic card game, Crazy 8 is played by two to seven players. The objective is to be the first player to discard all their cards.
• Words with Friends: This word game is a great way to test your vocabulary skills and challenge your friends. It is similar to Scrabble, with players taking turns creating words on a board.
• 8 Ball Pool: This app lets you play pool against your friends in real time. It features realistic physics and various playing modes, including 1-on-1 matches and tournaments.
• Cup Pong: This is a virtual version of the classic party entertainment. Players take turns trying to sink a ping pong ball into their opponent's cups.
• Dots & Boxes: This is the classic pen-and-paper challenge brought to life virtually. It starts with an empty grid of dots. Players take turns joining two horizontally or vertically adjacent dots by a line. A player that completes the fourth side of a square (a box) colours that box and must play again. When all boxes have been coloured, the challenge ends, and the player who has coloured more boxes wins.
• Cobi Hoops: This miniature version of basketball is fun for those who enjoy ball tournaments. Compete with your friends to see how many baskets you can score in 30 seconds.
• GamePigeon: As the pioneer of games on the texting app, GamePigeon contains the most extensive collection.

Read also

20 fun Roblox games to play with friends or family

What are some of the best iMessage games for couples?

The best couple pastimes on the texting app allow you to learn more about your partner in a fun and light-hearted way. Break away from the everyday romantic love messages. This way, you get to spend time together while learning more about their personality and thought processes.

• 20 Questions: This is a guessing challenge available on GamePigeon. One player sets a word that the other must guess in twenty questions or less.
• Tic Tac Toe: You could play this classic strategy match with your partner. It allows you to bring out your competitive side healthily and teaches you about how your partner strategises.
• Trivia Crack: This trivia match allows you to test your knowledge in various categories, including science, history, sports, and more. It features over 1,000 interesting questions, so you'll never exhaust new challenges to tackle.
• Checkers: iMessage brings the classic board challenge to the screen. Challenge your partner to a relaxing contest of checkers to unwind.
• Four in a Row: The physical version of this contest is called Connect 4. The goal is to place four chips of your chosen colour in a row while blocking your partner from doing the same.
• Sea Battle: This is the online version of Battleship. It is a strategy game where players command naval ships and plot to sink their opponent’s ships.
• Chess: Chess42 is the iMessage app to challenge your partner to a few rounds of the classic board game.
• Truth Truth Lie: Commonly called 2 Truths and a Lie, this is an ideal icebreaker. You get to learn more about your partner while bonding and having fun.

Read also

20 best offline iPhone games that you can play for free

Can I play iMessage games on Android?

No, iMessage games are exclusive to Apple devices and unavailable on Android devices. iMessage is a messaging platform developed by Apple and is only available on Apple devices, such as iPhones, iPads, and Macs.

What's the iMessage game app?

GamePigeon is the iMessage game app with the most in-app game options, including classics like Checkers and Crazy 8s. However, GamePigeon is not required to play other iMessage games.

Where can I download iMessage games?

You don't need to download iMessage games separately, as they are already built into the iMessage app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. To access and play iMessage games, start a conversation with a friend or family member on iMessage, then tap on the App Store icon and select the "Games" option.

Can you play iMessage games with someone in a different country?

Yes, you can play with someone in a different country if you both have access to the texting app on your Apple devices and a stable internet connection. However, it's important to note that some may not be available in all countries or regions due to local laws and regulations.

Read also

15 games like Roblox for when you want to try something new

iMessage games are a convenient and fun way to play with friends and family without downloading separate apps. With new games constantly added, there's always something new to try and keep you entertained.

DISCLAIMER: This article is not sponsored by any third party. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!

Legit.ng recently published an article about how to schedule a text message. Scheduling a text is a valuable feature that allows you to compose a message and send it at a later time or date.

In addition to using the built-in "Schedule Send" feature on your phone, third-party apps on the App Store allow you to schedule texts. These apps may offer additional features and customisation options, but be sure to read reviews and choose a reputable app to ensure the security and privacy of your messages.

Source: Legit.ng