Snapchat launches multiplayer gaming platform as it expands partnership with developers

Messaging app Snapchat, which is widely popular among younger users but has struggled to turn a profit since its creation in 2011, has just unveiled new features including an integrated gaming platform, an expansion of its original series and new partnerships with developers.

“Friendship is more than just the things you chat about,” says Will Wu, the director of product at Snapchat as he unveiled Snap Games at a Partner Summit in Los Angeles to highlight the new features for creators and app developers. “Friendship is also about experience you have together.”

The six made-for-Snapchat games, including Bitmoji Party, Alphabear Hustle and Zombie Rescue Squad, will be part of a global gaming industry that saw US$77 billion in revenue last year, Wu says.

“We wanted to build something that makes us feel like we’re playing a board game with family over a long holiday weekend, something that makes us feel like we’re sitting with friends, controllers in hand,” he said. “Unfortunately, these games are hard to find on mobile … it’s hard to get everybody to install the same game, and it’s hard to chat.”

The six games will be directly accessible from Snapchat’s popular messaging feature Chat, offering users the possibility to play while at the same time exchanging messages. Bitmoji Party, developed by Snapchat parent Snap and inspired by Nintendo’s Wii Party, for example features players, brought to life with 3D Bitmojis, as they compete across four fast-paced mini-games.