Snapchat to launch its gaming platform "Project Cognac" next month

Rumors of Snapchat planning to launch its own gaming platform have been doing the rounds since the past year. Now, it appears as if Snap Inc. has decided to finally take the plunge and announce its gaming platform for developers next month.

Internally called "Project Cognac", the platform will offer third-party games within the Snapchat app, according to a report by Cheddar. Snap will be hosting its first summit for content and developer partners on April 4 in Los Angeles. Cheddar says that the invitation for the event reads, "Less talk. More play.", indicating an imminent launch of Snap's gaming platform.

While third-party developers will be able to create games for Snapchat, one can expect first-party exclusives as well. Last year, Snap acquired an Australian gaming studio, Prettygreat, for $8.6 million. Prettygreat was the company behind mobile hits such as Fruit Ninja and Jetpack Joyride. Apart from Prettygreat, Snap seems to have also acquired PlayCanvas, a web-based game engine startup.

Gaming is not exactly new to the Snapchat app, though. A few lightweight AR games were already available in the app in early 2018. Chinese tech giant Tencent has acquired a ~10% stake in Snap's shares. However, we do not know yet if Tencent would be developing any games on Snap's gaming platform.