Google announced new features around PC and mobile gaming today ahead of the Game Developers Conference (GDC), including new titles, control customization, and developer tools for making mobile games available on PC.
The company first introduced Play Games for PC in 2022 in the beta phase. Over time, it has introduced the program to various regions. Later this year, the project will enter general availability.
As a part of the new releases, Google is adding new tools for game developers, including a dedicated SDK for native PC games on Google Play Games that will have in-app purchase integration. It is also updating the Play Console to distribute and manage various builds for mobile and PCs.
The company announced that, by default, it is going to make all mobile games available on PC through the Play Store. However, developers can opt out of this, if they choose. While all mobile games would be available on PC, specially tuned games will have an optimized icon next to the listing and other games will have a “playable” badge after testing.
Google is also adding support for AMD-based laptops and desktops for Google Play Games on PC. Plus, Play Games will be accessible from the start menu on various PCs from different manufacturers.
The company is also introducing a new Graphics API called Vilkan for smoother frame rates and better visuals, and implementing ray tracing. It is also improving the Android Dynamic Performance Framework (ADPF) for more responsive games.
Later this year, developers will be able to run user acquisition campaigns for mobile emulated and native PC titles in Google Play Games for PC. Plus, game makers will be able to port their game to the Google Play for PC program and get up to 15% of additional earnback.
New game titles
At GDC, Google announced new PC optimized titles such as “Game of Thrones: Kingsroad,” “Sonic Rumble,” and “ODIN: VALHALLA RISING.”
The company said that thanks to the mobile games porting feature, users will be able to play Train Sim” and “Pet Shop Fever: Animal Hotel” on PC.
Google is also bringing some PC titles to mobile. The company said this month, “DREDGE” and “TABS Mobile” are coming to Google Play and mystery game “Disco Elysium” will be available later this year.
User-facing features
Google will bring custom controls for games on PC, so players can remap controls according to their comfort.
Later this month, the company is rolling out a game side bar for quick adjustments with multi-account support, too.
Going forward, it will also be easier to track and use Play Points on PC with up to 10x points boosters for purchases, Google says.
