Facebook Messenger games: Update makes Pac-Man, Space Invaders and other classics easy to find

The layout of conversations is also being changed for the better

It isn't clear when or indeed if the update will come to all users

Facebook is set to make gaming a key component of Messenger.

An update that started rolling out to a select number of Android users this week has introduced a completely new layout for the messaging app.

The social network has tidied up the chat functionality by splitting one-on-one conversations, group conversations and active friends between three tabs that sit alongside each other in a single row towards the top of the screen.

It’s a move that makes complete sense, as these are the app’s most important sections.

This has also freed up space for a joystick icon, which now sits in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen.

It provides quick access to Facebook Messenger’s Instant Games collection, which includes Pac-Man, Space Invaders and Snake, as well as a host of other titles both old and new.

Accessing Instant Games in older versions of Messenger is a slightly more long-winded process.

You can do it by tapping the + key in a conversation with a friend you want to play with or, if you’d prefer to play alone, by hitting the + key in a conversation with yourself.

It isn't clear when or indeed if the update will come to all users.

The platform launched in closed beta last year, but became available to all users of Messenger earlier this month.

Facebook recently added ephemeral Stories to Messenger, though it’s calling the feature Messenger Day.

It works in almost exactly the same manner as Snapchat Stories, Instagram Stories and Facebook Stories, allowing users to post edited pictures and videos that disappear after 24 hours.