Messenger is bringing a slew of multiplayer augmented reality games to its popular app.

Up your game, son

Facebook is leaning harder than ever into recreational AR technology with the launch of multiplayer AR games that allow up to six friends to play.

Among these quirky new games are “Don’t Smile” and “Astroids Attack,” using in-house AR tech to track players’ faces while competing with others in head-to-head challenges.

“Don’t Smile,” is just like it sounds, a contest of who will smile first. “Astroids Attack,” however, competes the high scores of users…piloting a space ship around astroids…with their nose!

Good fun

The games are uncomplicated and rudimentary but an excellent first step for introducing users to AR within a social environment.

To access Facebook’s first run of AR-centric games, you just need the most current version of Messenger. Then you’re off to the astroids.

What do you think about multi-player AR games? Would you be inclined to play games like this with one or more friends? Let us know in the comments below.