| GamePigeon | |
| Logo Size: | 125px |
| Logo Caption: | App Store icon |
| Developer: | Vitalii Zlotskii |
| Latest Release Version: | 2.2.4 |
| Operating System: | iOS |
| Size: | 83.7 MB |
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] GamePigeon is only available through the Messages app, which allows players to start and respond to different party games in conversations.[2]
The app was first 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 cosmetic skins, avatar items, new game modes, and an option to remove ads.[3]
The following is a list of games which users can play within GamePigeon:
Sources:[4]
Poker was one of the games included in GamePigeon at launch,[5] although it has since been removed and is no longer listed on the game's App Store description.
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.[6] Critically, GamePigeon has been generally well received, being highlighted by online media publications early on shortly after the iOS 10 launch.[7] It has since been included on many "best iMessage apps" lists.[8] [6] Based on over 162,000 ratings, the game holds a 4.0 out of 5 rating on the App Store.[9] 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."
8-ball and cup pong have been particularly well received by media outlets.[10] 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."[11] 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.[4] [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]