Replaced, a retro-futuristic cyberpunk game, is set to be released on Android on December 8th. The game will feature specially developed touch controls and compatibility with gamepads for enhanced gameplay on mobile devices.
Google is introducing AI-powered app creation on Google Play, allowing users to build custom Android apps using Google AI Studio without needing a developer account. This feature will initially roll out in select markets, including the U.S., for users aged 18 and older. Users can create personal apps that remain separate from the public Play Store and can later transition to a professional developer account if desired.
Additionally, Google is enhancing app discovery with personalized recommendations through the Ask Play feature and integrating Play Store content into Gemini conversations. The Game Finder tool will provide tailored game recommendations based on user preferences, and Google is launching Game Playlists for users to curate and share collections of games.
To foster community engagement, Google is introducing features like Sprints for competitive play, a Sidekick feature for recording gameplay clips, and Community Posts for interaction on game pages. Google is also expanding its PC gaming offerings with new titles and cross-play capabilities, alongside introducing Game Trials for PC games.
For families, Google is implementing a privacy option for age-restricted apps through Family Link and launching Play Fest, a week-long promotion with various rewards. This overhaul aims to transform Google Play from a simple app store into a platform for app creation, community interaction, and personalized experiences.
Google is updating the Google Play Store to allow users to create and deploy their own applications using Google AI Studio without needing a developer account. This feature is currently available in the U.S. for users aged 18 and older and ensures that personal applications remain private and separate from the public catalog. The Play Store is also enhancing content discovery with optimizations for larger screens, new features like "Ask Play" for app comparisons, and "Play in Gemini" for recommendations. In gaming, a new Game Finder feature will create personalized profiles for users, while "Sprints" will offer 48-hour challenges. Major games are being introduced with cross-save support between mobile and PC, and a new Family Link feature will help parents manage age-appropriate app experiences. These updates are rolling out now.
Google is streamlining the installation process for Android apps created using AI Studio, allowing users to access personal applications directly through the Play Store instead of manually sideloading APK files. This feature is currently rolling out in the United States and select markets. The Play Store will introduce a personal library for users to locate and install their uniquely coded applications, which will be kept private and separate from the public app catalog. Users will also be able to share these personal applications with select individuals, and those wishing to publish apps for a broader audience can transition to a professional developer account. Additionally, a new Game Finder tool will suggest games based on users' gaming habits, and Game Playlists will allow users to curate collections of games. Google is also introducing Sprints, 48-hour gaming challenges for small groups, and upgrading the Sidekick overlay for capturing and sharing gameplay clips. The Sports Topic Pages will expand to cover major leagues, and the Ask Play feature will assist in app comparisons. These updates will be rolled out gradually.
A PC modder has created a mod for Capcom’s Resident Evil 2 remake that introduces local co-op functionality, allowing two players to control their own characters instead of just having a computer-controlled ally. The mod, called Local Couch Co-op, was developed by Shopcreeper01 and offers various character selections, each with unique inventories and HUD elements. It supports both shared-screen and split-screen display modes and requires the Steam version of Resident Evil 2 along with REFramework. The mod is exclusive to PC users. Additionally, it features an experimental mode inspired by Capcom’s upcoming title, Pragmata, where one player manages movement and the other focuses on aiming and shooting.
PC gamers may see the release of Grand Theft Auto 6 as early as the first quarter of 2027, according to a report from GamesBeat citing industry sources. The console versions for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S are scheduled for release on November 19. Rockstar Games has historically released PC ports after console launches, but there are reasons to believe this release could be expedited. Analysts predict significant demand for GTA 6, estimating revenues between billion and billion during its launch week. The number of PC gamers is expected to exceed 1 billion by 2028, with a growing focus on microtransactions.
REPLACED, a cyberpunk 2.5D Sidescrolling indie-hit, is set to be released on Android in December. The game will be part of the Google Play Games Program, allowing players to enjoy it on mobile, tablets, and PC with synced saves across devices. The port to Android was done by Poland-based studio ‘The Knights of U’.
- Replaced, a cyberpunk platformer game, will be released on Android via Google Play Games on December 8, 2026
- The game has over 900,000 players across all platforms since its launch in spring 2026
- The Android version features the complete story of AI protagonist R.E.A.C.H. navigating Phoenix City in an alternate 1980s America setting
- Replaced is a 2.5D cyberpunk action platformer with pixel art visuals and combines cinematic exploration with free-flow combat
- Post-launch patches have addressed initial bugs and rough edges that affected the original release.
Sifu, a kung-fu-based third-person brawler by Sloclap, is now available on iOS and Android for .99. The game has been fully optimized for mobile with new touch controls, improved interactions, a reworked camera system, and complete controller support.
- Android users may soon have the option to use a connected game controller to move a mouse-style cursor around their phone or tablet.
- The feature is currently in development and has not been officially released.
- The potential feature aims to provide a more seamless experience for users by allowing free mouse-style movement with a cursor that extends beyond current gamepad controls.
- The feature is focused on interface control and does not impact gaming performance, latency, or additional services.
- The reported feature could streamline navigation within the interface for UAE players who use Android devices for mobile or cloud gaming.
- The feature does not guarantee controller support for games that do not already offer it.