# Gamified Messaging Apps Telegram Puts Fun Minigames Directly into Its Chat Interface By Joey Haar | Published 2016-10-04 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/telegram References: [theverge](http://www.theverge.com/2016/10/4/13159972/telegram-games-chat-app) & [telegram.org](https://telegram.org/blog/games) Messaging apps are insanely popular, with Facebook Messenger alone having been downloaded on over 900 million phones, but the Telegram app offers some fun features that no other app does. The lightweight messaging app has just released a new gaming feature that lets friends compete against one another in cute, simple minigames. Telegram functions just like any other messaging app, allowing users to chat with one another or in groups, send emojis, stickers, and GIFs, and synchronize chats across their devices. The gaming feature is new though. It allows friends to play a suite of [minigames directly within the chat bubble](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scano-games), jumping into the game and leaving once finished without ever exiting Telegram. There are currently about thirty [casual games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flappy-ball) on Telegram, with hundreds more in store. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.1/10 - Popularity: 27% | Activity: 28% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/games) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Gamified Messaging Apps:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop more interactive gaming features within messaging apps to provide users with a unique and engaging experience. - **Lightweight Messaging Apps:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create messaging apps that prioritize simplicity and speed while still offering essential features to attract users looking for a streamlined experience. - **In-app Gaming Features:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate gaming capabilities directly within messaging apps to encourage user engagement and extend app functionality. ### Where This Applies - **Mobile Gaming:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore partnerships between messaging app developers and mobile game studios to create unique gaming experiences within messaging platforms, increasing user retention and app usage. - **Chat Application Development:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop messaging apps with integrated gaming features to stand out in the competitive market, attracting users seeking a more immersive and interactive chat experience. - **Mobile App Monetization:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Offer in-app purchases and ad placement opportunities within gaming features of messaging apps to generate additional revenue streams and enhance user experience. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Messaging App-Based Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/betconstruct.md) - [Hidden Social App Mini-Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minigame.md) - [Conversational Learning Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/linguogram.md) - [Paid Instant Messaging Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/telegram-premium.md) - [Bitcoin Price Mini-App Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miniapp-game.md) - [Emoji Party Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/speedmoji.md) - [Messaging Enhancement Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emojititlebot.md) - [Emoji Word Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quiz-blitz.md) - [Telegram-Style Video Messages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/video-messaging.md)