Google has announced a major expansion of its Google Play Games platform, enabling all Android mobile games to be available on PC by default. According to CNET and Android Authority, this move positions Google as a potential rival to existing game platforms like Steam.
The biggest change is the basic PC support for Android games. Previously, developers had to opt-in to participate, but now all Android games can run on PCs through Google Play Games unless developers choose to exclude them. This means millions of mobile games could soon be accessible on PCs.
Additionally, Google has introduced a new badge system to help users easily identify each game’s PC compatibility. Games are categorized into “Optimized,” “Playable,” and “Untested,” based on their seamless performance on PC environments.
Google has also greatly expanded hardware support. Previously, Intel UHD Graphics 630 or a dedicated GPU were essential, but now Android games can run on AMD-based laptops and desktops. Moreover, Google plans to collaborate with PC manufacturers to pre-install Google Play Games on new devices, allowing PC users to run mobile games directly from the start menu.
The most noteworthy aspect of this expansion is the addition of native PC games. Google Play Games is evolving beyond a simple mobile game execution platform into a full-fledged PC game platform. Google has built a native PC SDK supporting essential features for developers such as in-app purchases and security protection, with games like Wuthering Waves, Genshin Impact, and Remember of Majesty set to join the platform.
Furthermore, reverse integration between mobile and PC is underway. Google is breaking the boundary between mobile and PC by making popular PC games available on Android as well. Games like DREDGE, TABS Mobile, and Disco Elysium are already planning their mobile launch, creating a stronger cross-platform game ecosystem for Google Play Games.
Google Play Games on PC is set for formal launch in the second half of 2025, showcasing its evolved form since its beta release in 2022. Google is also implementing a revenue-sharing program for developers in conjunction with the Game Developers Conference (GDC), actively supporting the platform’s growth.
This move by Google signifies a transition to a comprehensive gaming platform encompassing both mobile and PC, not just a simple game streaming service. It remains to be seen how this expansion will impact gamers and developers, and how it will fare in competition against existing platforms like Steam and Epic Games.