Have you ever wanted to play pool or other classic games with friends directly through your iPhone? Well now you can thanks to a game-changing update Apple made back in 2016.
In this guide, I‘ll fill you in on everything you need to know about playing 8 Ball on iMessage. You‘ll learn:
- How Apple set the stage for messaging games
- What makes 8 Ball so fun to play virtually
- Step-by-step instructions to get started
- Tips from a seasoned player to up your game
- The differences between 8 Ball and 9 Ball
- What cool new iMessage games might get added next
Let‘s rack ‘em up and get rolling! This is going to be a blast.
The Evolution of Messaging Games on iPhone
First, a quick history lesson. iMessage launched in 2011 allowing iPhone users to exchange messages over data instead of just SMS texts. This made group chats and sharing media way more convenient.
But the real game-changer (pun intended) came in September 2016 when Apple released iOS 10. This included the debut of the iMessage App Store for third-party developers to make apps specifically for the Messages app. It was a huge shift.
Shortly after, a hit game service called GamePigeon arrived on the scene. This little app gave users instant access to a slate of multiplayer games to play head-to-head right in an iMessage chat!
Over the years, iMessage‘s popularity has skyrocketed. Today, 90% of iPhone users rely on it as their main messaging app according to surveys. And thanks to GamePigeon, they can battle in 8 Ball or chess without ever leaving their conversation. Pretty cool right?
| Year | iMessage Users | % iPhone Owners Using |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 1 billion messages/day | 56% |
| 2019 | 200 billion messages/day | 81% |
| 2022 | 90% primarily use iMessage |
The ability to game while messaging friends has helped fuel iMessage‘s rise. And 8 Ball is one of the most loved titles…now let‘s jump into the details!
Why 8 Ball is Such a Hit iMessage Game
8 Ball has remained popular for ages in real-life bars and pool halls thanks to the perfect blend of skill, strategy, and chance. That winning formula translates flawlessly to iPhone screens.
GamePigeon‘s 8 Ball experience mirrors the actual game by incorporating physics around ball spin, angles of deflection, ball-to-ball collisions, and other elements that influence your shots. This makes gameplay feel authentic.
At the same time, they‘ve added colorful designs, fun sound effects, automatic score-keeping, and convenience factors to optimize it for messaging. Instead of needing to set up a real pool table, all it takes is a few taps to start up a game with a friend in chat.
The quick pace keeps games exciting. You can finish an entire match during a spare 10 minutes. Or challenge to longer contests in Tournament mode where the first to win 5 games takes the glory 🏆!
Downloading GamePigeon to Access 8 Ball
Alright, let‘s get you set up!
GamePigeon is not like normal iPhone apps downloaded from the App Store. Instead, it exists exclusively within iMessage. So to get it, we need to access the special iMessage App Store.
Ready? Follow these steps:
1. Open the Messages app then select a conversation with a friend.
2. Tap the App Store icon near the bottom left (looks like an "A" in a bubble).
3. Type "GamePigeon" in the search bar then select GamePigeon when it appears.
4. Tap Get then Install to add GamePigeon to your iMessage apps.
And that‘s it! The app will show up automatically with all its games ready for play.
Firing Up an 8 Ball Game
Starting an 8 Ball battle is super straightforward once GamePigeon finishes installing. Just:
1. Open your conversation then tap the GamePigeon icon at the bottom.
2. Select 8 Ball from the list of available games.
3. Choose your settings like tournament rules on/off, shot timer limits, and more.
4. Tap Send and you‘re off to the races! An interactive pool table will appear where you take turns attempting shots.
Now for the fun part – trying to sink more balls than your opponent!
Expert Tips to Dominate at 8 Ball
After running countless 8 Ball games in iMessage over the years, I‘ve picked up some pro-level tips for coming out on top more often. Here is my hard-earned advice:
Survey the table before shooting – Take a few extra seconds before you shoot to scan the positions of the balls. This helps you identify smart shot options to pocket your balls or leave your opponent in a jam.
Use spin to control the cue ball – Putting backspin, left/right spin, or follow spin on the cue ball allows way more control over where it ends up. Then you can line up your next shot perfectly.
Aim dead center when possible – Unless intentionally using angle shots, shoot directly at the center of your target ball. This minimizes the chance of missing entirely due to just barely not hitting it flush.
Play defense too – When it‘s not your turn, look for ways you could leave the cue ball to block your opponent‘s angles. Safety shots win games!
I have plenty more tips where those came from. But over time and practice, you‘ll develop a feel for the subtle techniques that separate the 8 Ball champs 😎.
How 8 Ball Compares to 9 Ball
A question I often get asked – what‘s the difference between 8 Ball and 9 Ball? They might look and feel similar, but there are some key variations:
| Metric | 8 Ball | 9 Ball |
|---|---|---|
| Total Balls Used | 16 (full set) | 9 balls (1-9 only) |
| Objective | Sink your set (solids or stripes), then 8 ball last | Sink balls in ascending order, 9 ball last |
| Typical Game Length | ~10-15 minutes | 5-10 minutes |
| Luck Vs. Skill Factor | Balanced | Heavier skill influence |
In a nutshell – 9 Ball is a bit faster paced and competitive. 8 Ball injects more luck with the randomized ball sets. Different strokes! Pun again intended 😂
Both are stellar games though.
The Exciting Future of iMessage Games
While GamePigeon already packs tons of gaming fun into iMessage, some players are eagerly awaiting what new titles get added next. Based on fans wishlists and rumors, potential upcoming games include:
- 🃏 Classic card games like poker, gin rummy, blackjack
- 🎯 More sports simulators like bowling, skee ball
- 😮 Wacky party games like truth or dare
- 🏆 Fast-paced quiz battles to test knowledge
Given how successful GamePigeon has been thus far, I‘m hopeful the developers keep pushing the boundaries! Even more messaging games could take interactions with friends to epic new levels.
For now though, kicking back with casual rounds of 8 Ball remains a go-to pastime.
Let the Games Begin…Right From Chats!
There you have it my friend! You should now be fully prepped to start playing 8 Ball directly in your iPhone message threads.
It seriously takes just minutes to get GamePigeon installed and begin shooting pool against buddies in your contact list. So what are you waiting for??
Trust me, it‘s an absolute blast to exchange trash talk or cheer big shot makes with pals in real-time. That‘s way more fun than just texting back and forth. The games spark conversations and bring people closer together.
Why not invite a few friends over this weekend for an 8 Ball tournament? I guarantee you‘ll be hooked in no time. Especially once you begin mastering bank shots, epic caroms, and more advanced moves.
Thanks for reading! Now grab those digital pool cues so we can get racking up games. Just promise me one thing…you better be prepared to lose 😏.
