Google brings new PC-focused features to the Play Store, including "play anywhere"

[midian182]

Something to look forward to: Mobile gaming may be a massive and lucrative market, but most PC players have an active dislike of playing titles on handsets. Despite this, Google is hoping to appeal to PC owners with a sweeping set of changes to the Play Store, including letting developers sell both mobile and PC versions of a game for one price, introducing a dedicated PC section to the store, and offering game trials.

In a developer post titled "Expanding our stage for PC and paid titles," Google revealed a slew of new features – many of them PC-focused – coming to the Play Store.

Probably the biggest news is the "buy once, play anywhere" pricing feature Google is offering to developers. Those devs who opt in will be able to offer a single price that covers both mobile and PC versions of their game. One of the first titles to come with this option will be Brotato: Premium.

Another addition is the PC section in the Play Store's Games tab. Google writes that it will give developers' PC titles high visibility placement among the most active mobile players. It will also be possible for players to buy PC-only games on the storefront. Users can add a game to their wishlist and receive alerts when it goes on sale, too.

A try-before-you-buy option is always welcome when it comes to games. As such, Google is introducing Game Trials, a feature that lets players experience a paid game for a limited time before making a purchase on mobile. Developers can specify their own custom time limit or an in-game event to conclude the trial. Player progress will continue from where they left off should they decide to buy the full thing.

Game Trials are rolling out soon to select paid games on mobile and will come to Google Play Games on PC in the future, Google says.

Google is also adding community posts to Play. This is where users can ask and answer game-related questions within the store. They can also have general conversations about titles, much like Reddit. Community Posts are now available in English for select popular games.

In news that might not be welcomed by everyone, Google is adding its AI-powered overlay Play Games Sidekick to select paid games. It offers real-time assistance from Gemini Live.

Google says the features will arrive on the Play Store throughout the year. It might not change every PC fan's view of mobile games, but bridging the gap between the two platforms is a step in the right direction.

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Google brings new PC-focused features to the Play Store, including "play anywhere"

 

[yRaz]

Ahhh, cross buying. So Google can have the play store installed on your PlayStation. PC and phone now. Just think of all that data they were missing out on!

 

[ScottSoapbox]

A game trial sounds better than the early lite/paid separate apps turning into free with paid premium IAP that Apple made the standard.

 

[deathspeed]

As a PC player, I am not opposed at all to mobile games, but they serve different purpose for me. They are generally totally different experiences. On mobile I tend to play more quick, casual stuff - something I can do in a waiting room or on a break at work. On PC I play things that have complex controls or hours-long play sessions. The only mobile game I can think of that I currently play that would probably port well to PC is Real Racing 3.

 

[James Waffen]

As a PC player, I am not opposed at all to mobile games, but they serve different purpose for me. They are generally totally different experiences. On mobile I tend to play more quick, casual stuff - something I can do in a waiting room or on a break at work. On PC I play things that have complex controls or hours-long play sessions. The only mobile game I can think of that I currently play that would probably port well to PC is Real Racing 3.

To each their own, I really enjoy playing some games on mobile, I play mainly Slay the Spire and Magic arena on my Pixel Fold. Even playing an emulator for DS or GBA here and there. I think this is a good change, maybe I can play slay the spire II on PC and phone eventually and only pay for it once.

I am against the Ai though, I really am not a fan of any ai, I better be able to turn it off.

 

[Theinsanegamer]

As a PC player, I am not opposed at all to mobile games, but they serve different purpose for me. They are generally totally different experiences. On mobile I tend to play more quick, casual stuff - something I can do in a waiting room or on a break at work. On PC I play things that have complex controls or hours-long play sessions. The only mobile game I can think of that I currently play that would probably port well to PC is Real Racing 3.

I'd like mobile games a lot more if there were paid versions that stripped out the BS. Like angry birds 2, the gameplay is great but dear lord the advertising and microtransactions are hell and there is no way to disable them. In the old days I bought angry birds, bad piggies, ece ad free, or games like FTL that were full price. Nowadays that isnt an option anymore.