It’s time for the Football World Cup, so of course Facebook is cashing in, launching World Cup themed features, camera effects and updates to their hidden soccer game in Facebook Messenger.
The features will be rolling out in the lead up to the World Cup, which starts on the 14th of June (tomorrow), offering Australians a number of filters including ‘green & gold’ face paint and festive wigs, to show their support for the Socceroos. Facebook Messenger is also updating their ‘hidden’ soccer game with world cup flair.
To start with, the ‘hidden’ soccer game is played between you and another Facebook Messenger user and is initiated by sending them a soccer ball emoji to activate it, then tap on the soccer ball to launch the game. It’s basically a game of keep the ball up, and it’s been updated for the world cup to let you represent your country – even if they are not officially competing. Simply send a flag of your choice and a football to your friends in a chat to start.
A number of other games have been added in addition to the update to the hidden soccer game including:
- theScore: This fantasy sports instant game in Messenger has now added World Cup contests. Select a five-person squad of the world’s elite football players and challenge your friends or be randomly matched against another player. Just pick your team and you’re ready to go. Once games are underway, you can follow how your line-up is doing live – all the way through to your glorious victory. [gallery link="file" type="rectangular" ids="591075,591076"]
- Golden Boot: Test your skills and your mettle as you are challenged to see who is the best free-kick taker. To play in one of Russia’s cities in this new edition of the game, go to the games tab on Messenger and search for Golden Boot.
- Ronaldo Kick’n’Run: While it’s fun to be a team player on a dream team full of stars, any real striker knows that when it comes to scoring that winning goal, it’s all about his own ability to perform the perfect kick. Put yourself in the shoes of Cristiano Ronaldo and see how it feels to kick, run and score like CR7 in this unique 3D arcade runner! In order to score and beat your opponents, you must avoid tricky tackles from rival defenders while avoiding the obstacles on Moscow’s streets. Compete against your friends by challenging them to a game and play in real time as you video chat your opponents!
Facebook will roll these changes out from this week, so make sure your app is up to date and check them out.
