Google is hosting its Google for Games Developer Summit this week and has therefore just made a number of announcements regarding its Google Play services. One of the biggest is the addition of PC games to its Google Play Games service.
With the discontinuation of Stadia, Google’s cloud gaming service, many thought the tech giant might be getting out of the gaming business. However, recent moves by Google suggest not only continued interest, but also a renewed commitment to gaming, particularly on PC.
In 2022, Google launched Play Games for PC, marking its biggest foray into computer gaming. This platform has allowed users to enjoy Android games on PC, and titles like “Lineage2M”, “Odin: Valhalla Rising” and “Genshin Impact” were among the first to be adopted. However, Google now hopes to go further.
Google wants native PC games
At its annual Game Developer Summit, the company announced plans to expand its catalog of native PC games. This expansion is not just about quantity; this is a call to arms for developers everywhere, inviting them to publish their native games on the Google platform. Although a specific timeline has not yet been revealed, the message is clear: Google takes PC gaming seriously. The announcement also comes just after Microsoft announced the end of support for the Windows subsystem for Android, which allowed Android games to be played on Windows 11.
Google probably does not want not just offering an alternative to Steam or Epic. Leveraging its ecosystem, Google promises seamless integration with users’ Google accounts, enabling a unified experience across all devices. The ability to use Play Store payment methods and access Play Pass content on PC could be a game-changer and attract a new wave of gamers to its platform.
Google takes advantage of this to improve Play Games
Google also announced tackling one of the biggest issues players face: progression synchronization. With improvements to Play Games Services, players can now move between devices without losing their progress, achievements, or customization. This improvement not only benefits players, but also simplifies the task of developers, removing the need to integrate complex databases.
Developers now have greater flexibility to integrate multiple connection options through Play Games services. This allows users to use their preferred login method, and game progress and achievements are synced seamlessly between devices. Players can pick up where they left off, regardless of the device they logged in from.
The Play Pass subscription service is also getting an update. For $5 per month, subscribers will now enjoy exclusive in-game deals and discounts on top titles like “EA Sports FC Mobile” and “Roblox.” Google also ensures that players stay informed with the latest updates and content. The Play Store will now offer relevant YouTube videos for the most popular games.
Also read – After killing Stadia, Google still wants to focus on streaming video games via YouTube
Google will make ads even more interesting
Finally, Google promises changes to AdMob, in-game ads, by offering interactive elements that integrate seamlessly into the gaming experience, avoiding intrusive pop-ups or video interruptions. Certain advertisements should therefore now be able to be integrated into small parts of a game’s interfacerather than occupying the entire screen.
Google explains that “ publishers will be able to reimagine the in-game advertising experience and display advertising that blends naturally into in-game environments. This system works across all game genres, with many placement possibilities such as pauses, progressions level and much more “.