Google is getting ready for GDC.

Google unveils new tools to enhance gaming on Google Play

Google unveiled new tools and features that will enhance the gaming experience on Google Play. The company described them at the Google for Games Developer Summit ahead of the upcoming Game Developers Conference next week.

Aurash Mahbod, general manager for games on Google Play, said in a blog post it will reveal various initiatives aimed at helping developers create better gaming experiences.

Gaming remains a focal point for Google, with a mission to ensure the gaming experience is both enjoyable and engaging for all users, the company said.

Google talked about Play Pass Enhancement. Google Play Pass subscribers in select markets will now receive in-game items and discounts on popular games, including titles like EA SPORTS FC Mobile, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Monopoly Go and Roblox.

This additional offering complements the existing catalog of over 1,000 ad-free games and apps, providing increased value to subscribers without changing the monthly price.

Discovering exclusive promotions, in-game items, and updates for downloaded games is made easier with new features in the Google Play Store. Users can now view the latest YouTube videos directly on the Games tab and store listing page, ensuring they stay informed about their favorite games. AdMob has also transformed in-game advertisements, offering interactive elements that seamlessly blend into the gaming experience, avoiding intrusive pop-ups or video interruptions.

Developers now have more flexibility to incorporate multiple sign-in options through Play Games Services. This ensures users can use their preferred sign-in method, and game progress and achievements seamlessly sync across devices. Players can pick up where they left off, regardless of the device they initially signed in from.

Google Play Games is extending support for native PC games, allowing users to discover and play a broader selection of games designed specifically for PCs directly through Google Play. Popular titles like Lineage2M, Odin: Valhalla Rising, Genshin Impact and Dragonheir: Silent Gods are already available, with plans to introduce more PC games in the future.

Dean Takahashi

Dean Takahashi is editorial director for GamesBeat at VentureBeat. He has been a tech journalist since 1988, and he has covered games as a beat since 1996. He was lead writer for GamesBeat at VentureBeat from 2008 to April 2025. Prior to that, he wrote for the San Jose Mercury News, the Red Herring, the Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times, and the Dallas Times-Herald. He is the author of two books, "Opening the Xbox" and "The Xbox 360 Uncloaked." He organizes the annual GamesBeat Next, GamesBeat Summit and GamesBeat Insider Series: Hollywood and Games conferences and is a frequent speaker at gaming and tech events. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.