Facebook has globally launched a mini football/soccer game on its Messenger app in time for the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Euro 2016 football competition that kicked off June 10, and Copa America tournament that is celebrating its 100th anniversary. The hidden game follows a similar basketball game the social network launched during the NCAA tournament and NBA season.
Messenger's new mini game is being rolled out during a worldwide football craze in Europe and Latin America. Facebook's so-called secret game follows a similar mobile messenger feature launched just before the NBA playoffs.
The basketball game on Messenger has reportedly been played over one billion times during the past three months. That included the NBA playoffs. Game 7 of the NBA Finals will take place on June 19, Sunday between the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers.
David Marcus is chief of Facebook Messenger. He reported that the basketball emoji representing the app's hidden game was launched for the NCAA's March Madness and NBA season, according to Headlines & Global News.
Marcus explained that the basketball game was so popular that the social giant decided to launch a football game. It is represented by football emoji.
Gamers must first download the newest version of Facebook Messenger before enjoying the football Easter egg. They must then start a conversation with a Facebook friend and send the soccer ball emoji.
The next step is to tap the football emoji located in the chat box. After that the mini game should start after a short time.
Facebook's goal is to boost the popularity of its Messenger app. The company told The Guardian that it hopes to increase the users of its instant messaging (IM) app to one billion.
Facebook's social media platforms also include Instagram and WhatsApp. The company has been using games and third-party apps in an attempt to make Messenger the go-to IM app for tasks such as making restaurant reservations and ordering an Uber.
In related news, Facebook Messenger recently gave the messaging app a new home screen. It will stop showing an incessantly long scroll of conversations.
The home screen now shows active users, favorites, recent conversations, and messages needing a response. A new shortcut also reminds people of Facebook friends who are celebrating a birthday today, according to Wired.
Here are tips for the Messenger football/soccer game: