Google is making significant strides with Google Play Games on PC, aiming to expand its gaming ecosystem by bringing more Android games to the platform. But it's not just Android games that are in focus; Google is also intensifying efforts to introduce native PC games to Google Play Games.
Starting soon, every Android game will be available on PC by default unless the developer opts out. This is a reversal from the previous requirement where developers had to opt in, resulting in a smaller game catalog.
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 the platform to all PC developers, allowing them to bring their games over. To help users identify games that perform well on PC, Google is introducing playability badges.
A game labeled as 'optimized' will meet Google's high-quality standards for an exceptional gaming experience. A 'playable' badge indicates that the game meets the minimum requirements, while 'untested' games won't appear in normal browsing and will require a direct search to find.
This approach is reminiscent of Steam's compatibility badges for the Steam Deck. If Google successfully brings a majority of its Android games to PC, it could pose a significant challenge to Steam's dominance.
Conversely, Google Play Games is also bringing well-known 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 will be fully optimized for touchscreen use.
If Google can perfect this cross-platform setup, the idea of purchasing a game once and enjoying it seamlessly on both your phone and PC could become a reality. For more details on Google's gaming plans, be sure to check out their official blog post.
In other gaming news, don't miss out on our coverage of New Star GP, an arcade racing game from the creators of New Star Soccer.
