Google is taking significant strides with Google Play Games on PC, expanding the platform to include more Android games and even native PC titles. In an exciting development, starting soon, all Android games will be available on PC by default, unless developers choose to opt out. This marks a shift from the previous model where developers had to opt in, which limited the game selection.

Pushing to Blur the Lines Between Mobile and Desktop Gaming

Currently, over 50 native PC games are accessible on Google Play Games. Google's roadmap includes opening the platform to all PC developers later this year. To help users identify games that perform well on PC, Google is introducing playability badges. Games labeled as 'optimized' meet Google’s high standards for an exceptional gaming experience, while those marked 'playable' meet the minimum requirements. Games tagged as 'untested' won't appear in regular searches and can only be found through direct searches.

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's dominance in the PC gaming market.

Conversely, Google Play Games is also enhancing its Android offerings with popular PC games. 'Dredge' is already available, and 'TABS Mobile' and 'Disco Elysium' are set to join later this year, fully optimized for touchscreen devices.

If Google manages to perfect this cross-platform integration, it could revolutionize gaming by allowing users to purchase a game once and enjoy it seamlessly on both their phone and PC. For more detailed insights into Google's gaming plans, be sure to check out the official blog post.

In other gaming news, don't miss our coverage of 'New Star GP,' an exciting arcade racing game from the creators of 'New Star Soccer.'