Google Play Announces Improvements for Developers, Gamers

At its Google for Games Developer Summit this week, Google announced improvements for its games platform for users and developers.

“Gaming can bring people together, which is why we’re committed to making the gaming experience fun and engaging for everyone,” Games on Google Play general manager Aurash Mahbod writes. “You can earn rewards for playing your favorite games on Play, connect with a passionate community of gamers on YouTube, discover new titles you’ll love through Ads, and enjoy secure, seamless gameplay powered by Cloud.”

Here’s what’s new.

Google Play Pass improvements. Google Play Pass gives subscribers access to over 1,000 ad- and in-app purchase-free games and apps, and it can be shared with up to 5 other family members. And now subscribers in select markets will also receive in-game items and discounts on popular titles like EA SPORTS FC Mobile, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, MONOPOLY GO!, and Roblox for no additional cost. Additionally, Play Pass is launching in-game offers in 21 markets, including Japan, and lPlay Pass will launch in Korea later this year.

Improved discovery of exclusive promotions, in-game items, and more. Starting today, the Google Play Store will display YouTube videos of some popular games right in the Games tab and Store listing pages so you can more easily discover promotions, in-game items, and what’s new with the games you’ve already downloaded.

Multiple sign-in option support. Developers can now support multiple options with Play Games Services (PGS) so users can choose their preferred sign-in method. Signing in will save game progress and achievements, so you can pick up games on other devices and pick up where you left off.

Interactive in-game ads. Google’s AdMob now supports interactive in-game ads that blend into game worlds rather than interrupting gameplay with pop-ups or video ads. Users can choose to engage with these integrated ads or ignore them.

Expanded support for native PC games. Google’s Play Games on PC offers over 3,000 titles in over 140 countries, and now gamers will see a bigger selection of native PC games made available directly in Google Play as well. Popular PC titles like Lineage2M, Odin: Valhalla Rising, Genshin Impact, and Dragonheir: Silent Gods are already available, and more are on the way.

Google Play Points expansion. The Google Play Points rewards program has over 220 million members in over 35 markets, and it’s now available in Brazil as well. And developers can now set limited quantities for exclusive in-game offers.

You can learn more on the Google for Games Developer Summit website.