Snapchat Looks To Launch Mobile Gaming Platform

Snapchat has announced the launch of its own mobile gaming system called Snap Games.

“Eight years ago, we created Snapchat to make talking with your friends faster and more fun,” the company wrote in a press release. “But friendship is more than just the things you talk about. Friendship is also about the experiences you have together — so we’ve been working hard to build an entirely new experience for friends to play together.”

Snap Games features six titles: Bitmoji Party, a series of quick mini games; Tiny Royale from Zynga, where friends shoot to the top in bite-sized Battle Royale action; Snake Squad from Game Closure, which allows players to work together to be the last ones standing; C.A.T.S. Drift Race from ZeptoLab, where friends race against one another; Zombie Rescue Squad from PikPok, which allows players to rescue survivors in a zombie-infested city; and Alphabear Hustle from Spry Fox, where players collaborate on building a village.

Snap Games can be launched from the Chat bar, with no install required. “You can see which friends you’re playing with, send them a chat or even talk live with voice chat. It feels like you’re sitting shoulder to shoulder, playing on the same screen,” according to the release.

The Verge reported that Snap will earn revenue from its games via six-second ads that players can watch to earn virtual currency, which can be spent inside the mobile games. The company might also add in-app purchases and other forms of monetization in the future.

In February, Snap’s shares rose 21 percent after the company reported earnings that beat projections. Its daily average user count came in at 186 million, beating the 184 million that was expected, while the $390 million in sales bested the $378 million projected for the quarter. Losses were better than expected, and user count remained steady compared to the third quarter.