As if anyone needed it, there’s a new way to kill time on social media.
Instagram hid an emoji-based game within its smartphone app’s direct messaging feature – and people are starting to realize that.
To play, both iOS and Android users must open and draft a message, then send one emoji of their choice to anyone, or return to one emoji sent by someone else. In either case, the next step is to select and hold the emoji message and the app will prompt you to go to the game interface.
Users are initially dropped onto a screen with a blank yellow background and their chosen emoji floating in the center.
The object of a Pong-like game is to use your finger to slide a platform on which emojis keep bouncing and prevent them from falling off the screen.
The longer you leave an emoji floating, the faster it will bounce and the harder it will be to earn points or change the background along the way.
Once you get over 10 points, your emoji will evolve into an amazing new emoji. For example, if you start with a caterpillar emoji, you’ll end up with a butterfly and potatoes will become fries.
High scores are saved and visible no matter where the user starts the game.
Instagram contact told TechCrunch They say they are dedicated to making the app “feel more fun.” Except for some unlucky app users who reportedly still can’t access the game.
The company did not comment on inventory status in a statement emailed to dealers.
