Google’s Beta Program for Android Games on PC Expands Compatibility
Google has launched a beta program for playing Android games on PC, which has gradually expanded compatibility to include thousands of titles. A new update allows users to run most Android titles on Windows while offering numerous customization options. The program is set to exit beta later this year.
The beta program for playing Android games on Windows PCs will soon become opt-out for developers, allowing users to try almost any mobile game on laptops and desktops. Furthermore, Google aims to make a limited selection of PC titles playable on Android devices.
Developers initially had to opt in to the Google Play Games program due to concerns over compatibility with mice, keyboards, and AMD processors. Unlike Microsoft’s aborted attempt to bring Android apps to Windows 11 through the Android App Store (which Tencent is currently attempting to revive), Google’s program also supports Windows 10.
Exciting Features for Beta Testers
Following the update later this month, beta testers can freely test any Android game unless the developer expressly forbids it. A new customization menu enables mapping keyboard and mouse controls to a game’s original touchscreen controls. Users can also play on multiple accounts simultaneously.
To help users find compatible games, Google will begin labeling games according to how well they support PC interfaces. With “optimized” and “playable” ranks, the system closely resembles Valve’s Steam Deck verification program. Users can run titles labeled “untested” only by specifically searching for them.
Hardware Requirements and Future Plans
Any PC with at least 8GB of memory, a quad-core processor, 10GB of storage space, and hardware virtualization enabled can run the beta. The program initially supported only Intel CPUs for most games, but Google recently added full support for AMD processors.
Additionally, Google aims to partner with PC manufacturers to ship devices with the Google Play Games launcher pre-installed later this year, likely when the program exits beta.
Around 50 PC games are also playable on Android devices through Google Play Games. This month’s update will expand the list with entries like Dredge, TABS, and a re-imagined version of Disco Elysium that developer ZA/UM says targets TikTok users with a new vertical display format.
Anyone interested in the latter should note that most of the original game’s creative team were ousted amid a complex and still-unresolved legal and financial saga. The extent of the new port’s faithfulness to the critically acclaimed RPG remains unclear.
