Google has announced today's new features for PC and mobile games ahead of the Game Developer Conference (GDC), including new titles, control customizations, and developer tools to make mobile games available on PCs.
The company first introduced PC play games in the beta phase in 2022. Over time, the programmes were introduced in various regions. Later this year, the project will enter general availability.
As part of the new release, Google is adding new tools for game developers, including a dedicated SDK for native PC games for Google Play games with in-app purchase integration. We're also updating our Play console to distribute and manage various mobile and PC builds.
The company has announced that by default, all mobile games will be available on PCs in the PLAY store. However, if the developer chooses it, the developer can opt out of this. All mobile games will be available on PC, but specially tuned games have optimized icons next to the list, while other games have a “playable” badge after testing.
Google is also adding support for AMD-based laptops and desktops for Google Play games on PCs. Additionally, the play games are accessible from the start menu of various PCs from different manufacturers.
The company also implements Ray Tracing, introducing a new graphic API called Vilkan for smoother frame rates and better visuals. It also improves the Android Dynamic Performance Framework (ADPF) for more responsive games.
Later this year, developers will be able to run user acquisition campaigns for mobile emulation and native PC titles in Google Play games for PCs. Additionally, game makers can port games to the Google Play for PC program and earn up to 15% of additional earnbacks.
New game title
At GDC, Google has announced new PC optimization titles such as “Game of Thrones: Kingsroad,” “Sonic Rumble,” and “Odin: Valhalla Rising.”
The company says that thanks to the mobile game porting capabilities, users will be able to play Train Sim and Pet Shop Fever: Animal Hotel on their PCs.
Google is also bringing several PC titles to mobile. The company said this month that “Dredge” and “Tabs Mobile” will be on Google Play, with the mystery game “Disco Elysium” coming to be available later this year.
User-friendly features
Google brings custom controls for the game on your PC, allowing players to remap controls according to their comfort.
Later this month, the company is rolling out its gaming sidebar to quickly coordinate multi-account support.
Image credit: Google
From now on, those who track and use playpoints on their PCs can easily use them, using up to 10x points boosters for purchases, Google says.