Google is making significant strides with Google Play Games on PC, expanding the platform to include more Android games and introducing native PC games. Soon, all Android games will be accessible on PC by default, unless developers opt out. Previously, developers had to opt in, which limited the available game selection.
Pushing to Blur the Lines Between Mobile and Desktop Gaming
Currently, over 50 native PC games are available on Google Play Games. Later this year, Google plans to allow all PC developers to bring their games to the platform. To help users identify games that perform well on PC, Google is introducing playability badges. Games labeled as 'optimized' meet Google's high standards for a superior gaming experience. Those marked as 'playable' meet the minimum requirements, while 'untested' games will not appear in regular browsing and require a direct search.
This approach 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 popular PC games to Android devices. Dredge is already available, with TABS Mobile and Disco Elysium set to follow later this year. These PC-to-mobile ports are optimized for touchscreens.
If Google can perfect this cross-platform integration, it could enable users to purchase a game once and play it seamlessly on both their phone and PC. For more details on Google's gaming plans, check out their official blog post.
Don't forget to read our coverage on New Star GP, an arcade racing game from the creators of New Star Soccer.
