GamePigeon is a mobile app for iOS devices, developed by Vitalii Zlotskii and released on September 13, 2016.[1] The game takes advantage of the iOS 10 update, which expanded how users could interact with Apple's Messages app.[2][3] GamePigeon is only available through the Messages app, which allows players to start and respond to different party games in conversations.[2]
 App Store icon | |
| Developer(s) | Vitalii Zlotskii |
|---|---|
| Initial release | 13 September 2016 |
| Stable release | 2.2.4
/ 6 April 2022 |
| Operating system | iOS |
| Size | 83.7 MB |
| Website | gamepigeonapp |
Release edit
The app was first released on September 13, 2016, coinciding with the launch of iOS 10.[3] The app was released for free, although it includes in-app purchases to unlock additional items, such as cosmetic skins, avatar items, new game modes, and an option to remove ads.[4]
Games in the app edit
The following is a list of games which users can play within GamePigeon:
|
|
Poker was one of the games included in GamePigeon at launch,[8] although it has since been removed and is no longer listed on the game's App Store description.[5]
Reception edit
GamePigeon has enjoyed commercial success, with VentureBeat noting that GamePigeon was ranked number-one in the "Top Free" category of the iMessage App Store, six months after its release.[9] Critically, GamePigeon has been generally well received, being highlighted by online media publications early on shortly after the iOS 10 launch.[10] It has since been included on many "best iMessage apps" lists.[3][7][9] Based on over 162,000 ratings, the game holds a 4.0 out of 5 rating on the App Store.[5] Julian Chokkattu of Digital Trends wrote "GamePigeon should be like the pre-installed versions of Solitaire and Minesweeper that used to come with older iterations of Windows."[7] On its launch day, Boy Genius Report included it on a list of "10 of the best iMessage apps, games and stickers for iOS 10 on launch day."[2] The Daily Dot wrote, "GamePigeon is easily the best current gaming option within iMessages."[3]
8-ball and cup pong have been particularly well received by media outlets.[11] The Daily Dot had specific praise for the app's billiards game: "8-Ball controls shockingly smoothly with your fingers, and there’s nothing quite like destroying a dear friend in poker."[3] During his 2020 U.S. presidential campaign, Cory Booker was cited as playing the game with his family.[12]
In 2017, CNBC cited one teenager who expressed that GamePigeon was one of just a few reasons that those in her age range use the iMessage app.[13] The game has received particular positive reception for allowing introverted individuals to exercise a form social activity; similarly, the game was highlighted as a way to maintain social distancing guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic.[6][14][15]
As an April Fools' Day joke in 2020, The Chronicle, a Duke University newspaper, published that Duke's athletic program adopted GamePigeon's Cup Pong as an official varsity sport.[16]
References edit
- ^ Takahashi, Dean (October 20, 2016). "Mastermind Studios launches Battle Bash strategy game on iMessage". VentureBeat. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
- ^ a b c Siegal, Jacob (September 13, 2016). "10 of the best iMessage apps, games and stickers for iOS 10 on launch day". Boy Genius Report. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
- ^ a b c d e Bond, John-Michael (February 28, 2020). "Text like a champ with these 5 free apps for iMessages". The Daily Dot. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
- ^ Dirks, Brent (December 7, 2019). "9 Best iMessage Games and How to Play Them With Your Friends". MakeUseOf. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
- ^ a b c "GamePigeon on the App Store". Apple Inc. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
- ^ a b "Here's How I'm Hosting a "Social Distancing Cup Pong Tournament" This Weekend". WPST. 2020. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
- ^ a b c Chokkattu, Julian (August 18, 2017). "Own an iPhone 7? Try these 15 iMessage apps, sticker packs, games for iOS 10". Digital Trends. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
- ^ Vorhees, John (December 23, 2016). "My Favourite iMessage Apps and Sticker Packs of 2016". MacStories.net. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
- ^ a b Johnson, Khari (March 20, 2017). "Forget stickers: iMessage's top 15 apps and games". VentureBeat. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
- ^ Pullen, John Patrick (October 18, 2016). "The Ultimate Guide to Apple's New Messages App". Time. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
- ^ Bell, Killian (September 3, 2019). "Apple has no plans to scrap iMessage apps and games". cultofmac.com. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
- ^ "2020 Presidential Democratic Candidates Reveal Their Pop Culture Favourites". E! Online. July 18, 2019. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
- ^ Castillo, Michelle (February 28, 2017). "Teens explain how they really use Snapchat and Instagram, and why Facebook still matters". CNBC. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
- ^ Rao, Emma (March 10, 2020). "Revisiting introversion and extroversion: Learning from each other, part 2". The Tufts Daily. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
- ^ Webb, Jack (March 24, 2020). "People are reviving iMessage games during self-isolation - here's how to find them". Evening Standard. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
- ^ "Duke Athletics adds GamePigeon 'Cup Pong' as official varsity sport". The Chronicle. April 1, 2020. Retrieved April 4, 2020.