Games on Windows Live Messenger are games that can be played over the Messenger platform as part of contacts’ conversations.
Windows Live Messenger is an established gaming platform. Around 24 million1 Messenger users a month play games over Messenger and they are highly engaged - the average person spends 21 minutes1 with Games on Windows Live Messenger.
The casual format allows users to dip instantly in and out of Messenger Games, encouraging the impulsive trial of new offerings. Users are able to play with friends in an environment that is seen as social, competitive and safe.
The Games on Windows Live Messenger platform allows advertisers to advertise while the game is loading and after the game has finished, create their own custom style games from scratch, or re-skin existing games, working with Microsoft or approved vendors. These games will sit in the drop-down menu like any other activity, accessing the huge Windows Live Messenger audience.
Research2 among the Messenger gaming audience demonstrates high levels of engagement with the platform: one-third play once a day or more, and over 70 per cent would recommend Games on Windows Live Messenger gaming to a friend. Users are highly receptive to sponsored content and in-game advertising, recognising this as a channel for providing new, free games.
