Threads is testing mini-games in chats, trying to bypass X and Bluesky.

Meta launched testing games in Threads with a basketball simulator

The Threads social network by Meta has started internal testing of a gaming feature in messages, beginning with a basketball simulator.

Currently, the new feature is available only in test mode and has not yet been deployed for the general public. The integration of games was first noticed by app researcher Alessandro Paluzzi, who posted screenshots of the interface. The game is based on virtual ball throws into a basket using swipes, allowing users to compete with friends by comparing results in chats.

This move is part of Meta’s strategy to attract other user groups and increase engagement on communication platforms. Gaming mechanics are not new for the company: last year, Instagram received a hidden emoji game in direct messages. Adding games to Threads could give an advantage over competitors X and Bluesky, which do not yet offer similar functionality. According to analysis, Meta is trying to bring Threads’ functionality closer to Apple Messages, where games can be downloaded via third-party apps like GamePigeon.

Threads’ number of active users is 400 million per month, according to Pew Research Center data. Nevertheless, in the US, the platform still lags behind X, with Threads used by only 8% of the adult population compared to 21% for X.

While Meta has not announced the timing of the official launch of games for all users, experts note that the integration of games could significantly increase the time users spend in the app, which, in turn, could positively affect advertising revenues.