One of the best messaging apps for Android, Google Messages has received plenty of interesting capabilities recently, like the ability to copy only a particular part of a message, a new way to learn about Google Messages features, and more. The Big G is apparently preparing another major feature for the app, and this one will bring it very close to Apple's iMessage.
Games in Google Messages
Apple's iMessage comes with a lot of unique capabilities, like using different text animations, adding effects to stickers, and more. However, the one I really like and use almost regularly on my iPhone 16 is GamePigeon. It basically allows iPhone users to play simple multiplayer games, like 8 Ball, Archery, and more, with their friends directly through the messaging app. It's certainly one of the features that sets iMessage apart from other messaging apps.
A recent report, however, suggests that Google is also working on adding something similar to its messaging app. Initial details about this development have been shared by reputed tipster Abhishek Yadav. It can be seen in the strings shared by Abhishek that a new Games section has been added to the Google Messages version messages.android_20261002_00_RC00.phone.openbeta_dynamic.
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Strings of games in Google Messages. | Image by Abhishek Yadav
Under this section, mentions of several games have also been spotted, including Word Scrambler, Chess, Cup Pong, Checkers, Pool, Basketball, Four in a Row, Crazy 8s, and Darts.
Do you really want Google Messages to get games?
2 Votes
How will the games actually function?
In iMessage, you simply need to open the chat of the person with whom you want to enjoy the game, select GamePigeon from the plus icon, and then choose the game you would like to play. However, at the moment, it is not exactly clear how the games will work in Google Messages. Whether they will be playable through chat windows or a completely new interface will pop up upon tapping on a game icon: we currently know nothing other than that games could be the next big feature for Google Messages.
Who even asked for games in Google Messages?
It is surely very early to comment on this feature, but most users appear to not like this decision from the tech giant. A user who appears to have a Pixel 10 Pro XLcommented under a relevant post that Google shouldn't bring this capability. Another user mentioned why the tech giant is even adding more bloatware to the messaging app. I, personally, agree with this statement, as the Google Messages app already has a few examples of bloatware, like Gemini, and instead of getting rid of it completely, the company is adding more unnecessary features.
Comment about Google adding bloat to its messaging app. | Image by Reddit
There are certainly a few Google Messages users who appear to like this change. A Pixel 11 Pro XL user commented that it's actually a good step from the Big G, as it will challenge other messaging apps like iMessage and WhatsApp.
Definitely not the first iMessage feature that's coming to Google Messages
Interestingly, Google has not only taken inspiration from Apple's messaging app but also from Samsung Messages. It has added the option to customize chats, a feature for which Samsung Messages was famous. Also, how could we forget the addition of a dedicated trash folder, which again seems inspired by iMessage and Samsung Messages? All these suggest that the Big G wants its texting app to have the best features of all the messaging apps currently on the market.
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Aman Kumar is a news writer at PhoneArena covering Google Pixel phones, Android features, AI-powered smartphone tools, and mobile tech news. Before joining PhoneArena, he spent over five years writing about consumer technology for publications like MakeUseOf, How-To Geek, and Guiding Tech. His current daily drivers are the Pixel 10 and Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus, while his red iPhone SE (2nd gen) remains a personal favorite. Aman also appreciates bold smartphone experiments and still considers the Nokia N-Gage one of the industry’s most iconic designs.
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