what you need to know
- During the Google Games Developer Summit, the company detailed the new content available to users in the Play Store.
- Users will start noticing YouTube videos of their most popular games in the Play Store today, as well as more gaming content visibility.
- Google Play Games is adding more native PC gaming support to more games and offering more in-game rewards for Play Pass subscribers.
Google’s Game Developer Summit kicks off today, and the company is highlighting some new updates for Android games that will be released today.
According to the Keywords post, the Play Store is introducing “new ways to interact” with mobile games. The company says users should start following the Games tab for YouTube videos about some of the most popular games on the Play Store. Additionally, these videos will appear on the listing page.
Store listings will now “more prominently” display game updates, new content, and ongoing game promotions, Google said in an Android Developers Blog post. However, the changes won’t affect everyone, as Google says they will apply to English-speaking users and “select titles” within its program.
Developers are also getting new tools for in-game ads, as the company says users may find them seamlessly integrated with the games they’re playing. This applies to pop-ups and video ad breaks, as mobile game developers can now serve ads without impacting the player experience.
In addition to these Play Store updates, users should also start noticing a Google AI-generated FAQ section appearing on app detail pages.
image 1 of 2
PC gamers are getting additional Google Play Games support for native desktop games. Users will soon be able to access a wider library of supported mobile games on PC. Google says Solo Leveling: Aris is preparing to join the likes of Genshin Impact, Odin: Valhalla and Lineage2M via its Play Games desktop launcher.
Play Pass subscribers have access to benefits. Starting today (March 12), they will receive additional rewards with in-game items. The post states that these additional in-game items and discounts will soon be available for EA SPORTS FC Mobile, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, MONOPOLY GO!, and Roblox.
Google’s Play Pass has reportedly grown 120% in the past year. The company said it will launch in-game rewards for the subscription service in 21 markets, including Japan, in 2024. Additionally, it will bring Play Pass to South Korea “later this year.”
The company has turned to its loyalty rewards program “Play Points” and said it has more than 220 million members and will launch it in Brazil soon.
Finally, Google is providing additional tools for developers to give users more sign-in options for Play Games Services. The company didn’t elaborate on exactly what these additional options are; however, it noted that your achievements and game progress will follow you no matter which method you prefer.