Google Play adds Game Finder, Sprints, and Sidekick Playbacks in discovery push

Google Play is expanding its discovery and social features for games with a Game Finder, timed Sprints, and clip-sharing via Sidekick overlay. Sam Bright, Google Play vice president and general manager, detailed the updates in a blog post, complementing a developer announcement. Google's You tab has reached 250 million monthly active users, and its gaming platform connects over 700 million gamer profiles.

The Game Finder uses a player's tastes, habits, and community reviews to suggest games, with rollout starting in the US for English-language users, expanding to other markets later. The 48-hour Sprints match small groups of players with similar skill levels. Sidekick users can now capture 30-second clips and share them with friends without leaving the game.

Sidekick has amassed more than 285 million users. Google is also introducing in-game items like skins and boosters to Quests, not just Play Points. Game Playlists will allow users to curate collections, and PC titles such as Dave the Diver and Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun will join Play, offering cloud save across Android and PC. Game Trials, enabling players to test premium games before purchasing, will move from mobile to PC.

Studios can opt-in through Game Stats, unlocking daily Streaks and eligibility for Leagues and Sprints, and Play Games Rewards ties in-game rewards to Play Points. Google's Apps Experience and Level Up programs offer lower service fees for standout titles. PUBG Mobile, integrating Level Up guidelines, saw a 22% increase in new installs from high-value players and a 62% rise in spend per buyer among engaged players, according to Google.

Google Play's Programs cover the US, UK, EEA, Japan, Australia, and Korea will follow soon. Google Play's Play in Gemini has generated over 6 million app installs since its launch two months ago and will reach all Gemini users soon. The company introduced several new features in March to enhance the discoverability and purchase appeal of its PC and mobile games.