Google is taking significant steps to expand Google Play Games on PC by bringing more Android games to the platform. Not only that, but Google is also intensifying its efforts to include native PC games on Google Play Games. Starting soon, all Android games will be available on PC by default unless the developer opts out. Previously, developers had to opt in, which limited the available catalogue.
Pushing to Blur the Lines Between Mobile and Desktop Gaming
Currently, over 50 native PC games are accessible on Google Play Games. Later this year, Google plans to open up the platform to all PC developers, enabling them to bring their games over. To help users determine which games perform well on PC, Google is introducing playability badges. Games labeled as ‘optimized’ meet Google’s high-quality standards for a superior experience. A ‘playable’ badge indicates that a game meets the minimum requirements, while ‘untested’ games won’t appear in regular browsing and must be searched for directly.
This approach is reminiscent of Steam’s compatibility badges for the Steam Deck. If Google successfully brings most or all of its Android games to PC, it could pose a significant challenge to Steam. On the flip side, Google Play Games is also bringing well-known PC games to Android devices. For instance, Dredge is already available, while TABS Mobile and Disco Elysium are set to join later this year. These PC-to-mobile ports will be fully optimized for touchscreens.
If Google manages to perfect this cross-platform setup, it could revolutionize gaming, allowing players to purchase a game once and enjoy it on both their phone and PC without any additional hassle. For more details on Google's gaming plans, be sure to read their official blog post.
Don't forget to check out our news on New Star GP, an arcade racing game from the creators of New Star Soccer.
