Google Play Games Sidekick Rolling Out with New Features
Back in September, Google previewed Play Games Sidekick. This experience is now beginning to roll out, with Google sharing a number of Android updates at the Game Developers Conference today.
In supported titles, you’ll see a drag handle that opens a landscape or vertical overlay with shortcuts to Capture Screenshot, Start Screen record, turn on Do Not Disturb, and Stream to YouTube Live. The inaugural feature is a carousel of AI-generated Game Tips “based on your gameplay,” while you’ll also see achievements, quest progress, and rewards.
In the future, you’ll be able to “Start Gemini Live” to share your screen and get in-game help. You can now try Play Games Sidekick in over 90 titles.
Google Play Introduces Game Trials and “Buy Once, Play Anywhere” Pricing
Google Play is adding support for Game Trials with a “Try” button on listings. This “risk-free way to jump into the full version of a paid title at no cost” will carry over any progress after purchasing. Game Trials are rolling out soon for paid games on mobile, with Google Play Games on PC support coming in the “future.” Behind the scenes, Game Trials are added directly to the Android App Bundle.
Meanwhile, Google is introducing “Buy once, play anywhere” pricing that lets you access both the mobile and PC versions. Support is rolling out for the Reigns series, OTTTD, and Dungeon Clawler.
You can now browse desktop titles on Android with a new “PC” page in the Games tab. When you wishlist a game, Google will send alerts when it’s on sale.
Google Play is adding more paid games like Moonlight Peaks, Sledding Game, and Low-Budget Repairs to join the existing free-to-play titles.
