Google today revealed the winners of its 2025 Best of Play awards, which includes categories for games, apps and books. Pokémon TCG Pocket, from The Pokémon Company and DeNA, was awarded the overall Best Game of the year. Disney Speedstorm took home the award for Best Multi-device Game. The winners reflect the store’s attempt to offer more diverse offerings to its users.
Sam Bright, Google Play’s VP and general manager, said of the year’s games: “Play is only successful when our developers are successful — their innovation is what fuels the platform and provides the content these awards are designed to honor. We look forward to seeing how developers and publishers continue to help people discover new apps, games and books across all of their devices.”
Speaking of TCG Pocket, Bright said, “This year Pokémon TCG Pocket went above and beyond to deliver an authentic version of the iconic trading card game. From tearing open booster packs to fawning over beautifully designed cards, there’s a tactile element to everything. These thoughtful touches bring the card game into a new era, earning it the coveted award of Best Game of 2025.”
Google Play’s Best of 2025 award winners
- Best app: Focus Friend by Hank Green
- Best game: Pokémon TCG Pocket
- Best multi-device app: Luminar
- Best multi-device game: Disney Speedstorm
Best apps of 2025
- Best for Fun: Edits, an Instagram app
- Best for Personal Growth: Focus Friend by Hank Green
- Best Everyday Essential: Wiser — 15 Minute Audio Books
- Best Hidden Gem: Pingo AI Language Learning
- Best for Families: ABCmouse 2: Kids Learning Game
- Best for Watches: SleepisolBio: sleep, alarm
- Best for Large Screens: Goodnotes: Notes, docs, PDF
- Best for Cars: SoundCloud: The Music You Love
- Best for XR Headsets: Calm — Sleep, Meditate, Relax
Best games of 2025
- Best Multiplayer: Dunk City Dynasty
- Best Pick Up & Play: Candy Crush Solitaire
- Best Indie: Chants of Sennaar
- Best Story: Disco Elysium
- Best Ongoing: Wuthering Waves
- Best on Play Pass: DREDGE
- Best for Google Play Games on PC: Odin: Valhalla Rising