Google is making significant strides with Google Play Games on PC, expanding its reach by bringing more Android games to the platform. But it's not just Android games that are in the spotlight; Google is also intensifying its efforts to integrate native PC games into Google Play Games.
Starting soon, all Android games will be available on PC by default, unless developers choose to opt out. Previously, developers had to opt in, which limited the available catalogue. This change is set to dramatically increase the number of games accessible on PC through Google Play Games.
Pushing to Blur the Lines Between Mobile and Desktop Gaming
Currently, there are over 50 native PC games available on Google Play Games, with plans to open the platform to all PC developers later this year. To help users identify games that perform well on PC, Google is introducing playability badges. A game marked with an 'optimized' badge meets all of Google’s quality standards for a superior gaming experience. A 'playable' badge indicates that the game meets the minimum requirements, whereas 'untested' games won't appear in regular browsing and must be searched for directly.
This system is reminiscent of Steam’s compatibility badges for the Steam Deck. If Google successfully brings most of its Android games to PC, it could pose a significant challenge to Steam. Conversely, Google Play Games is also bringing notable PC games to Android devices. Games like Dredge are already available, with TABS Mobile and Disco Elysium set to follow later this year. These PC-to-mobile ports are fully optimized for touchscreen use.
If Google can perfect this cross-platform experience, imagine the convenience of purchasing a game once and enjoying it seamlessly on both your phone and PC. For more details on Google's gaming plans, be sure to check out their official blog post. Additionally, don't miss our coverage on New Star GP, an arcade racing game from the creators of New Star Soccer.
