Meta rolls out Pocket game creation app to users in the US

In short: Meta is rolling out Pocket, an experimental app that helps people create and share small phone games using AI, to everyone in the U.S.

What happened

Meta’s Pocket app is now becoming available across the United States, according to TechCrunch. Meta previously tested Pocket in Brazil.

Pocket lets you make simple interactive games by typing prompts for AI (a tool that follows your written instructions, like a very flexible template). The games are posted to a scrollable feed, similar to how short videos appear in apps like TikTok.

Meta calls these creations “gizmos.” They can respond to taps and even the tilt of your phone, play sound effects, and include clips of songs. Some gizmos can also use photos from your camera roll or access your camera.

After you make a gizmo, you can share it on your profile. Other people can save it, repost it, or “remix” it, meaning they can use your creation as a starting point and make a new version (like changing a recipe and sharing your own twist).

TechCrunch notes that Pocket follows Meta’s recent push to release more standalone apps, including tools for AI images and AI video. CEO Mark Zuckerberg has said AI helps Meta build and ship apps faster, which makes it easier to test new ideas.

Why it matters

Apps like Pocket lower the bar for making simple games, so more people can create and share interactive content without learning to code. It also raises familiar questions about privacy, since some creations can use your camera or photos, and about what kinds of content will spread when remixing is easy.

Source: TechCrunch AI