Have Games Been Eliminated from the Snapchat Platform?

Snapchat, the widely-popular multimedia messaging app, has officially discontinued its Snap Games feature. No longer will users find the gaming option in chat, either on Android, iPhone, or the web.

Initiated in 2019, the Snap Games section quickly gained traction, with over 200 million people indulging in the interactive games in the Snapchat app by 2021.

Snapchat’s decision to pull the plug has left many users wondering why the popular feature vanished.

Snap Games, which included titles like Bitmoji Party, Snake Squad, Tiny Royale, Aquapark, and Alphabear Hustle, offered users an exciting way to interact within the app.

They could simply tap on the rocket icon that appeared in chats to jump into a game with their friends.

However, in a surprising move, Snapchat removed the feature, as confirmed by the company’s support website. Along with Snap Games, another feature called Minis also faced the axe.

The official Snapchat Support Twitter account shed some light on this decision, stating that the app would now concentrate on products beneficial for creators and viewers.

Behind the Sudden Discontinuation

Despite the broad popularity of Snap Games, their re-inclusion in the app seems unlikely. The decision might come as a shock to many, given the feature’s mass appeal.

However, certain indicators hinted at the forthcoming demise of Snap Games and Minis.

A report filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on August 26, 2022, revealed that Snap, Snapchat’s parent company, had ceased its investments in Snap Originals, Minis, Games, and the Pixy drone.

The same report emphasized that these projects were not contributing to the company’s primary objectives of community growth, revenue growth, and augmented reality.

The decision to halt these features coincided with Snap’s announcement of a 20 percent workforce reduction to mitigate poor revenue growth.

The removal of Snap Games from the platform took effect in February 2023.

User Reactions and Alternatives

Snapchat’s gaming feature, touted by about 30 million users every month, was one of the most adored aspects of the app.

Given the financial implications, Snapchat’s decision to terminate the gaming feature appears to be a cost-cutting measure.

It remains uncertain whether Snapchat will ever reinstate games, though it would seem logical to reintroduce them in a limited capacity for Snapchat+ subscribers in the future.

Snapchat’s gaming feature was distinctive since most social media and messaging apps do not offer the ability to play games within chats.

For users who miss playing games on Snapchat, GamePigeon presents an excellent alternative.

Available for iMessage, GamePigeon boasts over 20 games, including popular titles like 8-Ball, Anagrams, Chess, Checkers, Basketball, Mini Golf, and more.

Regrettably, Android users do not have access to GamePigeon.

Snapchat’s gaming discontinuation has left a void in the messaging app’s feature list, making alternatives like GamePigeon an attractive proposition, assuming everyone in a user’s friend group uses an iPhone.