Google has made a significant announcement regarding its Play Games app for PC, which has been facilitating the running of Android games on computers for several years. The tech giant is now set to elevate the gaming experience by introducing native PC games to the platform. This development was unveiled during the 2025 Game Developers Conference, where Google expressed its commitment to expanding the reach of mobile games to a broader audience on PC.
Google Play Games on PC was launched to help mobile games reach more players on PC. Today, we’re expanding this support to native PC games, enabling more developers to connect with our massive player base on mobile.
The company further announced that it will open the program to all native PC games, including those exclusive to the PC platform, within this year. In addition to this, Google plans to provide developers with tools and initiatives tailored for native PC titles on Google Play Games. These enhancements are designed to simplify in-app purchases, bolster security measures, and offer an attractive earnback of up to 15% for developers.
Can Google actually take the fight to Steam?
While this move marks a bold step for Google, there are lingering questions about its ability to compete with the established dominance of Steam. Historical context suggests that other platforms, such as the Epic Games Store, have struggled to make a substantial impact on Steam’s popularity, despite aggressive strategies like free game giveaways and exclusive titles. Former Prime Gaming vice-president Ethan Evans has noted that Amazon has faced similar challenges in its attempts to disrupt Valve’s stronghold on the market, citing various initiatives that ultimately fell short.
This raises a critical question: how will Google Play Games differentiate itself from existing PC game stores? Given the competitive landscape, a unique approach may be essential for Google to carve out its niche. Moreover, the company has a track record of launching services that it later abandons, such as the Stadia game streaming service, which adds an additional layer of skepticism regarding the longevity of this new initiative. While the prospects for Google Play Games may seem uncertain, any increase in competition in the gaming space could ultimately benefit consumers.
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