Skip to main content

Google Play Games is coming to Windows PCs in 2022

In one of the biggest cross-platform moves we’ve seen in a while, Google has announced that it’s bringing Google Play Games to Windows PCs starting next year.

The news was announced at The Game Awards 2021 by host Geoff Keighley, who also shared a brief teaser video. While there’s not a great deal of additional information available yet, the promise is that you’ll be able to play your favorite mobile games on your Windows PC, so it looks like Google won’t be holding back on putting its best titles forward for cross-platform play.

Recommended Videos

In fact, according to Greg Hartrell, product director for Google Play games, users will be able to seamlessly switch between their Android smartphone and Windows PC as easily as they can currently pick up gameplay on a Chromebook or tablet. “Google Play has helped billions of people find and play their favorite games across multiple platforms, including on mobile, tablets and ChromeOS,” said Hartrell, adding that Google’s new initiative “brings the best of Google Play Games to more laptops and desktops, and we are thrilled to expand our platform for players to enjoy their favorite Android games even more.”

During the awards, Keighley added that you’ll be able to “take games from your pocket to your desktop and seamlessly pick up where you left off.”

Gaming on Chromebooks hasn’t always provided the best experience, since Chrome OS isn’t really built for gaming, and many lower-end Chromebooks are marketed more for work and study, so support for Google Play Games on Windows PCs promises to be a real game changer.

It’s not clear right now what the minimum specs will be for Windows PCs to participate, but Hartrell promises that Google will have more to share soon, so stay tuned for these details as they become available.

Jesse Hollington
Jesse has been a Mobile Writer for Digital Trends since 2021 and a technology enthusiast for his entire life — he was…
Is Genshin Impact cross-platform?
Several characters from Genshin Impact in key art.

Ever since we set foot in the world of Teyvat, Genshin Impact has become one of the best free-to-play games we've ever experienced. Mixing an anime-inspired art style with the exploration of Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom, plus a huge roster of appealing characters, this massive game's popularity hasn't died down since its release. Even after Zenless Zone Zero came out, we're still hooked on Genshin.

While it isn't a multiplayer game in the traditional sense like Fallout 76 is, there are ways to connect with others. Plus, being on mobile, PC, and PlayStation (with Xbox soon to come), it would be the perfect choice for a cross-platform game. With mobile games like this, you never know if you're locked down on whatever platform you started on. Here's all the cross-platform information for Genshin Impact.
Is Genshin Impact cross-platform?

Read more
Is Baldur’s Gate 3 cross-platform?
A Baldur's Gate 3 character lights the way.

The biggest CRPG of 2023, if not ever, promises a huge adventure that you are encouraged to play cooperatively with up to four friends. While online play is expected in the modern era, Baldur's Gate 3 surprisingly also supports split-screen co-op on every PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X as well, meaning you can run an entire campaign with a friend side-by-side. As great as all that is, the vast majority of people will likely want to play with a friend in the comfort of their own homes, which might mean a PC and console player will want to team up. Is that possible in Baldur's Gate 3? Here's a quick rundown of whether this is a cross-platform game.
Is Baldur's Gate 3 cross-platform?
In short, no, Baldur's Gate 3 will not allow for cross-platform play just like Elden Ring or Palworld. If you are playing on PC, then anyone you want to play online with will also need to be on PC, and the same is true for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. While this is true for now, it is possible that Larian Studios may add cross-platform play in a future update, but for now, it is safer to assume it won't come and make your purchasing decision accordingly.

The only small silver lining here is that Baldur's Gate 3 does have cross-platform progression. This means that if you purchase the game on one platform, you can carry your save to any other. While not ideal, it is at least an easier way to move between platforms to play with a friend if that's your only option.

Read more
Is Stardew Valley cross-platform?
Stardew Valley Multiplayer Fishing

Stardew Valley is a game made by just one person, but it has seen more success than most games made by dozens, or even hundreds, of people. It's even one of Digital Trends' top 50 video games of all time. Since its release in 2016, it's been updated regularly with new features and content to keep its avid fans coming back. As of the Stardew Valley 1.6 update additions, this includes an online multiplayer component that allows you and up to three friends to hang out on each other's farms.

Of course, many players are still wondering when Stardew Valley 1.6 is coming to consoles. And with the recent trend of games allowing players on different platforms to join together, you may wonder if Stardew Valley is a cross-platform game like Minecraft or Terraria. Here's everything we know about cross-platform support in Stardew Valley.
Is Stardew Valley cross-platform?

Read more