Google brings more Android games on Google Play Games on PC later this year

Ahead of the Game Developers Conference next week, Google has announced that all mobile Android games will be available on Google Play Games on PC by default, unless a developer chooses otherwise. The change, which previously required creators to opt in, could considerably increase the number of games available on the platform.

Google Play Games for PC was first released in beta in 2022 as a way for individuals to play Android games on their PCs, and Google has gradually expanded its availability and developed the software since then.

As part of its Thursday announcements, Google is also launching a new "playability badge" for mobile games that are available on PC to emphasise how well they perform. According to Aurash Mahbod, VP and GM of Games on Google Play, a "optimised" label indicates that a game "meets all of our quality standards for a great gaming experience," whereas a "playable" badge indicates that the game "meets the minimum requirements to play well on a PC."

Google is investing more in bringing PC games to Google Play Games for PC. There are currently more than 50 native PC titles on the platform, and later this year, Google aims to open up its native PC program to all native PC developers, allowing them to bring over their games.

Google is also expanding the availability of Google Play Games on PC; previously, the firm only offered a restricted selection of games on AMD laptops and desktops, but Google will soon offer the entire catalogue on these devices. Furthermore, Google is "partnering with PC OEMs to make Google Play Games accessible right from the start menu on new devices starting this year," Mahbod adds. Google is also introducing multi-account and multi-instance functionality for Google Play Games on PC this month.

According to Mahbod, Google will make Google Play Games for PC publicly available this year.