The introduction of games to messenger apps is a trend that started in Asian markets but is now extending worldwide. Now the most popular chat application Viber has made a significant announcement: the launch of it's own social gaming platform.
It is clear that Viber, which builds its model mainly on VoIP services, is taking a leaf from Asian messaging platforms such as WeChat, Weibo and Line by introducing these games. However, at least initially, the games will be restricted to only five markets - namely Belarus, Malaysia, Israel, Singapore and Ukraine. Viber plans on introducing the games to its global audience by the end of January 2015 and will be available on both the iOS and Android platforms.
The game developers for Viber are Storm 8 and Playtika - which have both produced games for Viber before. The characters in the games are the same as those featured in Viber's stickers, which brings an element of cohesion to the design.
Companies that spearheaded the growth of social games on their applications were WeChat and Line - who built highly profitable models, thereby prompting the likes of Tango and Viber to replicate. However, Marco was quick to affirm that Viber's core focus remains its messaging function and that the games platform has been designed specifically so as to not interfere with that. What is clear, however, that Viber users can look forward to something new very soon.
