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 getting the spotlight; Google is also intensifying its 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. Previously, developers had to opt in, which limited the catalogue's size. This change is set to dramatically increase the number of games available on PC through Google Play Games.
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 to the service. To help users identify which games perform well on PC, Google is introducing playability badges.
Games labeled as 'optimized' 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 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 well-known PC games to Android devices. Dredge is already available, while TABS Mobile and Disco Elysium are set to join later this year. These PC-to-mobile ports are fully optimized for touchscreens.
If Google can seamlessly integrate this cross-platform setup, the potential for players to purchase a game once and enjoy it on both their phone and PC without additional hassle is immense. For more details on Google's gaming plans, be sure to check out their official blog post.
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