Google Messages beta strings point to built-in games feature
References found in a Google Messages beta build list a Games section with titles like Chess, Checkers and Darts, under an internal 'midnight' prefix.
Strings discovered in a Google Messages beta build indicate the app is developing a built-in games feature, according to Android Authority. The references appear in build version messages.android_20261002_00_RC00.phone.openbeta_dynamic.
The strings describe a Games section and name titles including Word Scramble, Chess, Cup Pong, Checkers, Pool, Basketball, Four in a Row, Crazy 8s and Darts. They also carry a midnight_ prefix, indicating the feature's internal codename is Midnight.
What the strings show
The references are limited to build strings: no interface, rollout plan or release date for the games was found in the beta build. Nothing in the strings confirms how the games would be launched or whether they would reach all users.
Apple's iMessage already offers a comparable games experience through GamePigeon, a third-party extension that adds titles to the messaging app.
Quick answers
What games were found in the Google Messages beta?
The strings name Word Scramble, Chess, Cup Pong, Checkers, Pool, Basketball, Four in a Row, Crazy 8s and Darts.
When will the games feature launch in Google Messages?
No release date was found in the beta build strings; only references to the Games section were discovered.