While Instagram might get all the press, Facebook is throwing just a much gold at its other star app – Messenger.

The latest update is a fun one: Instant Games.

Power Up

Instant Games is now available on Messenger and the News Feed on mobile and desktop. On Messenger there’s a new game controller icon below the box where you type messages.

The games have a social angle, and include score-based games, leaderboards, and group thread conversations where you can challenge and compete with other users.

You can also discover and play games across the News Feed and Messenger through recommendations, posts, challenges, and the Facebook Pages of individual games.

Game On

Facebook has dabbled in games for a long time (is there anyone who hasn’t received a FarmVille request?) but now Facebook is allowing third-party developers to create bespoke games for the platform.

Facebook could also ease the barrier to gaming, by not requiring users to download additional apps

With Facebook expected to pass 2 billion users in June and Messenger boasting a cool 1 billion, could Facebook create the next Angry Birds? Or perhaps a version of Whack-A-Mole substituted with the face of your politician of choice.

Would you use Facebook for Instant Games? Let us know in the Comments.