Technology

IIE Digital Desk: Google Play Games for PC beta has launched in India, offering a range of Android mobile games optimized for the platform. Unlike emulators such as BlueStacks, this is a native app that has been developed in collaboration with game developers to ensure optimal performance on PCs. The beta version is now available and allows users to browse and play games using a keyboard and mouse. It also provides seamless syncing across devices for users with the same Google account. To install the app, users will need to restart their computers and enable hardware virtualization in the BIOS. Windows 11 users can enable this feature in the "Windows features" settings.

With this update, Google Play Games beta for PC is now available in over 60 new regions worldwide, bringing the total to over 120 regions. In India, the platform is accessible in both English and Hindi. The Director of Product for Google Play Games, Arjun Dayal, expressed excitement about partnering with developers globally to bring their games to larger screens. The catalogue of games on Google Play Games has grown significantly since its launch, with hundreds of games optimized for larger screens and improved controls.

Although not the entire catalogue, popular titles from Indian developers such as Ludo King and Hitwicket Games, as well as global entries like Eversoul, Evony: The King's Return, and Lords Mobile, are available on the platform. Currently, there are over 100 titles available in regions where the beta is accessible, with more being added periodically.

Participation in the beta is open to anyone with a Google account in eligible regions. The system requirements state that the app should be installed on SSD storage with at least 10GB of free space. Google has also included features like keyboard remapping to allow gamers to customize their controls.

Google Play Games beta for PC minimum system requirements

OS: Windows 10 (v2004)

Processor (CPU): any CPU with 4 physical cores (some games might require Intel processors)

Graphics (GPU): Intel UHD Graphics 630 or higher

RAM: 8GB

Google Play Games beta for PC recommended system requirements

OS: Windows 10 (v2004)

Processor (CPU): any CPU with 8 logical cores (some games might require Intel processors)

Graphics (GPU): “Gaming-class GPU” starting from Nvidia GeForce MX450

RAM: 8GB

Google Play Games for PC was first announced at The Game Awards 2021, being able to seamlessly switch between a phone, tablet, Chromebook, and Windows computers without losing save progress on games. As mentioned before, this isn't game streaming and you'll have to install the titles locally. As the app moves towards a full release, Google says it will continue to add new features, while taking developer and player feedback into account to improve the app.