Overview
- Researchers digging into a Google Messages beta build discovered strings that point to a new Games section inside conversations.
- The beta identified as messages.android_20261002_00_RC00 includes an internal codename, 'Midnight,' and asset names for nine games such as Chess, Pool, Darts and Word Scramble.
- The discovery was first shared Wednesday by app researcher Abhishek Yadav and reported by multiple outlets based on the app’s file strings rather than an official Google announcement.
- Key details about how the games would work are unconfirmed, including whether they will support real‑time multiplayer, turn‑based invites, or rely on RCS messaging features.
- If launched, the feature would put Messages closer to iMessage’s GamePigeon and signal Google’s push to add more social, engagement features to the default Android texting app.