From pay TV to play TV: Nickelodeon has teamed up with Verizon to launch an interactive widget that allows viewers to play SpongeBob SquarePants-themed casual games while simultaneously watching Nickelodeon shows.

Exclusive to subscribers with both Verizon FiOS TV and internet, the widget delivers a series of four games that can be downloaded for free from Nickelodeon, Nicktoons, and the Verizon FiOS TV Application Storefront.

Developed by interactive TV company Ensequence, the widget is designed to further engage kids during their viewing experience. The SpongeBob widget games include Build-a-Bob, which allows viewers to create their own SpongeBob characters, a puzzle game called SpongeBob ShufflePants, a matching-themed game and a Tic-Tac-Toe game that can be played versus the TV or in two-player mode.

To access these games, subscribers can tune into Nickelodeon or Nicktoons and clicking the FiOS TV button on the remote control when the interactive bug appears.  Once opened, the games appear on the left-hand side of the screen and customers can choose from the list. All game play is controlled using the directional keys on the TV remote.