Google Play Expands Android/PC Crossover Game Library

Google Play is associated with Android, of course, but Google’s app store also supports native games on Windows and, perhaps as crucially, some crossover capabilities for those who wish to game on both platforms. This week at GDC, the firm said it is expanding its library of these games and making other improvements to the platform.

“Google Play’s mission remains focused on one thing: building an experience that revolves around you,” Google vice president Aurash Mahbod says. “Since we integrated mobile and PC gaming last September, 160 million gamers now use the You tab in Google Play every month to stay up to date on their games. Today, as the industry gathers at the GDC Festival of Gaming, we’re launching updates designed to help you discover your next favorite game and master the ones you love.”

Here’s what’s new.

More games that work on both Android and PC. Google says that it is bringing some of the most anticipated games to Play across Android and PC, including Moonlight Peaks, Sledding Game, and Low-Budget Repairs. Your progress will be synced across platforms so you can play on both.

PC section in the Play Store Games tab. Google is adding a PC section to the Games tab in the Play Store app so you can find games that have been optimized for the PC.

Buy once, play anywhere. Google Play is introducing buy once, play anywhere pricing so customers can make a single purchase and receive the game on both Android and PC. It’s rolling out today on select games, including the Reigns series, OTTTD, and Dungeon Clawler.

Game Trials. Google Play is introducing a new Games Trials feature that lets you try a paid game at no cost before deciding to purchase it. Game Trials are rolling out soon to select paid games on mobile, and Google says this feature will come to Google Play Games on PC in the future as well.