8 Ball is a massively entertaining multiplayer iMessage game from the GamePigeon app that lets you shoot pool with players all over the globe. The game has a cash and coin-based reward system that lets you upgrade and buy new pool cues, play at higher-stakes tables and other cosmetic items. GamePigeon, one of the hottest iMessage app, allows user to play 8 ball pool on iMessage as well as other games with their friends. 8-ball is a game played with a clue 15 'object balls'. One player needs to pocket balls of the group numbered 1 through 7, while the other player has 9 through 15.
| Developer(s) | Vitalii Zlotskii |
|---|---|
| Initial release | 13 September 2016; 4 years ago |
| Size | 113.8 MB |
GamePigeon is a mobile gaming app for iOS devices. The app was launched by the company Vitalii Zlotskii[1] on September 13, 2016, as a result of the iOS 10 update, which expanded how users could interact with the Messages app.[2][3] Thus, users could access and utilizes the features of the GamePigeon app while in the Messages app.[2]
Development and release[edit]
The app was released on September 13, 2016, coinciding with the launch of iOS 10.[3] The app was released for free,[4] although it includes in-app purchases to unlock additional items, such as pool cues.[5]
Games in the app[edit]
The following is a list of games which users can play within GamePigeon:
|
|
Sources:[6][7][8]
In 2016, Poker was cited as one of the games included in GamePigeon,[9][10] although it is not listed on the game's App Store description.[6]
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.[11] 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][8][11] Based on over 88,000 ratings, the game holds a 4.2 out of 5 rating on the App Store.[6] 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.'[8] 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.[12]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.[13]
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.[14] 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.[7][15][16]
Influence[edit]
Snapchat released an in-message games app called Snapchat Games.[17]
As an April Fools' Day joke, The Chronicle, a Duke University newspaper, published that Duke's athletic program adopted Cup Pong as an official varsity sport.[18]
References[edit]
How To Play Pool 8 Ball
- ^Takahashi, Dean (October 20, 2016). 'Mastermind Studios launches Battle Bash strategy game on iMessage'. VentureBeat. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
- ^ abcSiegal, 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.
- ^ abcdeBond, John-Michael (February 28, 2020). 'Text like a champ with these 5 free apps for iMessages'. The Daily Dot. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
- ^Johnson, Khari (March 5, 2018). 'Google search results now available in Apple's iMessage app drawer'. VentureBeat. 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.
- ^ abc'GamePigeon on the App Store'. Apple Inc. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
- ^ ab'Here's How I'm Hosting a 'Social Distancing Cup Pong Tournament' This Weekend'. WPST. 2020. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
- ^ abcChokkattu, 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 Favorite iMessage Apps and Sticker Packs of 2016'. MacStories.net. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
- ^ abPullen, John Patrick (October 18, 2016). 'The Ultimate Guide to Apple's New Messages App'. Time. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
- ^ abJohnson, Khari (March 20, 2017). 'Forget stickers: iMessage's top 15 apps and games'. VentureBeat. 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 Favorites'. 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.
- ^Sherrill, Cameron (March 31, 2020). 'The 15 Best Mobile Games to Wile Away Hour After Hour Playing in 2020'. Esquire. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
- ^'Duke Athletics adds GamePigeon 'Cup Pong' as official varsity sport'. The Chronicle. April 1, 2020. Retrieved April 4, 2020.