Google Play Games is Google’s attempt to bring mobile gaming to desktop PCs in an official and seamless way. The online gaming service allows Android gamers to play their favorite mobile games on a bigger screen with keyboard and mouse control.
What Is Google Play Games?
Google Play Games is a PC application from Google that allows you to browse, download and play select Android games on your Windows PC. The key features are:
- Play mobile games on a bigger PC screen
- Enjoy keyboard and mouse controls for more precision
- Sync your progress across devices
- Access all your Google Play game library and purchases
- Earn Google Play Points for in-app purchases and unlocks
- Compatible with over 100 popular Android games
Google Play Games effectively serves as a PC launcher and emulator for Android games. However, instead of just replicating the mobile experience, Google optimizes the games for mouse and keyboard inputs to improve the gaming experience.
Games are also reconfigured to take advantage of the larger screen size. Graphics are optimized and visual elements are resized for a desktop environment.
Benefits of Google Play Games
Bigger Screen & Better Controls
The larger screen size of PCs allows for a more immersive gaming experience. Keyboard and mouse inputs also provide more precise controls compared to touchscreens. This can give you an edge in fast-paced and competitive mobile games.
Continuity Across Devices
Your game progress and libraries are synced seamlessly between your phone, tablet and PC. This means you can pick up where you left off no matter which device you’re using.
Compatibility With Favorite Games
Google Play Games currently supports over 100 popular Android games spanning various genres. The list of compatible games is growing steadily so your favorites are likely already available or will be added soon.
Integration With Google Play Services
Since Google Play Games leverages Google Play services, you benefit from features like Google Play Points and other in-app purchases. You can also access your friends list to compete against them.
How To Use Google Play Games
To use Google Play Games, you’ll need a compatible Windows PC with the minimum requirements:
- Windows 10 v2004 or later
- SSD with at least 10 GB storage
- Intel UHD Graphics 630 or equivalent GPU
- 4 physical CPU cores (some games require Intel CPU)
- 8 GB RAM
- Administrator account access
- Hardware virtualization enabled
Once installed, you can download and play compatible games from within the Google Play Games app. The interface is familiar if you’ve used the Google Play Store on Android.
Games you already own on your Android device will show up in your library. You simply click “Install” to download and play the game on your PC.
In summary, Google Play Games offers a seamless and optimized way to play your favorite Android games on a larger screen with better controls. If you enjoy mobile gaming and own a compatible Windows PC, it’s worth checking out to expand your gaming options.