GamePigeon is a mobile gaming app for iOS devices. The app was launched by the company Vitalii Zlotskii on September 13, 2016, as a result of the iOS 10 update, which expanded how users could interact with the Messages app. Thus, users could access and utilizes the features of the GamePigeon app while in the Messages app.
Development and release
The app was released on September 13, 2016, coinciding with the launch of iOS 10. The app was released for free, although it includes in-app purchases to unlock additional items, such as pool cues.
Games in the app
The following is a list of games which users can play within GamePigeon:
8 Ball
9 Ball
20 Questions
Anagrams
Archery
Basketball
Checkers
Chess
Crazy 8
Cup Pong
Darts
Dots & Boxes
Filler
Four In A Row
Gomoku
Knockout
Mancala
Mini Golf
Paintball
Reversi
Sea Battle
Shuffleboard
Tanks
Word Hunt
Sources: In 2016, Poker was cited as one of the games included in GamePigeon, although it is not listed on the game's App Store description.
Reception
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. Critically, GamePigeon has been generally well received, being highlighted by online media publications early on shortly after the iOS 10 launch. It has since been included on many "best iMessage apps" lists. Based on over 88,000 ratings, the game holds a 4.2 out of 5 rating on the App Store. 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." 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." The Daily Dot wrote, "GamePigeon is easily the best current gaming option within iMessages." 8-Ball and Cup Pong have been particularly well-received by media outlets. 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." During his 2020 U.S. presidential campaign, Cory Booker was cited as playing the game with his family. 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. 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.