Need the best iMessage games? We've got you covered.

Messaging and gaming are two hugely popular ways to spend time on an iPhone or iPad. And thanks to iMessage gaming, you can combine these to battle friends and family while having a conversation.

As long as you and the other party are both using iMessage (instead of a regular SMS message) it's easy to play a wide variety of different games.

Let's take a look at the best iMessage games to play.

GamePigeon

If you're looking for an assortment of great two-player iMessage games in one app, GamePigeon should be your first stop. The app features 26 different multiplayer iMessage games. You'll find everything from Crazy 8 to cup pong, checkers, shuffleboard, and others. After opening up the app in an iMessage, just select a game from the list to begin.

There are a wide variety of in-app purchases available to unlock additional styles of pool cues, paintballs, and more.

Download: GamePigeon (Free, in-app purchases available)

Checkmate!

There's no need to pull out the chess set when playing Checkmate! The iMessage game brings all the fun and strategy of chess to your iOS device. Obviously, the game is designed for only two players. But you can have as many matches going at the same time as you can handle.

To help brighten up the chess board, there are a number of different themes you can select from. And when you're trying to decide on your next move, there's no need to even open up the app. You can view the latest move in each message bubble.

Download: Checkmate ($1)

Moji Bowling

Another easy two-player iMessage game, Moji Bowling makes real gutterballs a problem of the past. In this fun arcade-style game, both the ball and pins come alive while playing. The pins will even taunt you when they aren't knocked down.

Even if you aren't playing an opponent, you can open up the regular app for practice. There are a number of different balls, pins, and blowing alleys to unlock while playing.

Download: Moji Bowling (Free, in-app purchases available)

Mr. Putt

A great game for two-player action as well as a group, Mr. Putt features four different and unique courses to play---Frost, Blaze, Retro, and Nebula. On each course, you'll need to try to bounce the ball off walls and more. All the while, strive to get the ball in the hole in the smallest number of strokes possible.

Download: Mr. Putt (Free)

Letter Fridge

Instead of a complicated word game, Letter Fridge is fun and easy to play at any age. You'll start with a handful of different magnets on an old-school refrigerator. In just a minute, you'll need to make as many words as you can with those letters. Then your friends will see if they can best your score.

The game offers even more fun outside iMessage. In the different levels of the iPhone and iPad game, you'll try to pass each level by solving a crossword puzzle layout with the available letters.

Download: Letter Fridge (Free, in-app purchases available)

Yahtzee With Buddies Dice

Get ready to roll in Yahtzee with Buddies Dice. One of the best classic board games available on the App Store can also be played in iMessage. For the uninitiated, you'll need to use a big dose of strategy while depending on some lucky dice rolls to grab the highest score in this two-player game.

Outside iMessage, it's easy to play a solo match against computer dice masters or other real players from around the world. While it's not as fun as yelling "Yahtzee!" in the same room to taunt your opponents, it does a great job taking the game to an iPhone or iPad.

Download: Yahtzee with Buddies Dice (Free, in-app purchases available)

8 Ball Pool

You can rack up some fun with a friend when playing 8 Ball Pool. It's a two-player game in iMessage that lets you see who the real master of the pool table is. Before starting a match, you can use the regular iPhone and iPad app to try a practice round.

If you get tired of the one-on-one battles in iMessage, the game features eight-player tournaments. While playing, you can earn coins to buy unique pool cues and more at the in-game shop.

Download: 8 Ball Pool (Free, in-app purchases available)

Bubble Witch 3 Saga

Even the usual single-player bubble shooter becomes a fun battle in Bubble Witch Saga. In the iMessage version, you'll try to garner as high of a score as possible by matching three bubbles of the same color. The other person will then try to beat your total.

When not playing through iMessage, the game features hundreds of different levels of bubble-shooting fun.

Download: Bubble Witch 3 Saga (Free, in-app purchases available)

Pictword

A great game for any age, Pictword is a fun take on Pictionary. In the iMessage version, you'll see a specific word---for example, corkscrew. You will then need to draw two different pictures to help the other players correctly guess the word.

Be prepared to laugh while trying to draw a legible picture, especially if you're not an artist. The full version offers even more features with brain training games and more.

Download: Pictword (Free, in-app purchases available)

How to Install and Play iMessage Games

Getting started with iMessage games is easy. First, bring up the conversation with your friend. Then select the App Store icon in the bar below the message box. That will bring up the iMessage App Store with games, stickers, and more for use only in the Messages app.

Find the game or app you want to use and install it just like any other title on the App Store. Once installation is complete, it will appear in the same bar with the App Store icon. Just select the icon to start playing.

Related: How to Add Cool Animated Effects to Your iMessages

Your friend will need to install the same game on their iPhone or iPad. There are many group iMessage games for more than two players. As a nice touch, many iMessage games can also be played as regular titles outside your conversation as well.

By the way, gaming is just one of the many cool uses for iMessage apps. We've looked at how to fix iMessage if it's not working for you.

Games for iMessage: A Fun Way to Play With Friends

Thanks to iMessage gaming, it's easy to enjoy multiplayer action in the middle of a conversation. From pool to miniature golf and more, fun iMessage apps can help bring some friendly competition to the usual daily chatter.

For another great way to express yourself in a conversation, take a look at these great iMessage sticker packs. And if you want to continue playing games while offline, try these iPad and iPhone games that work offline.