Google Play Games beta edition is now available for Windows PCs. This will enable desktops or laptops running on Windows OS to play popular Android games on larger displays with mouse and keyboard inputs. According to Google, the beta version of the Play Games will offer “seamless gameplay sessions between a phone, tablet, Chromebook, and Windows PC.”
The Play Games beta has been made available in limited markets. It is unclear what technology is being used to run Android games on Windows PCs. The search engine giant said that those who play Android games on PCs will be able to earn Play Points, which is Google’s reward program for gamers.
Google Play Games beta: supported games list
Google Play Games app Windows PC
The Google Play Games beta is available in three countries such as Hong Kong, South Korea, and Taiwan. Google said that it will be expanding it to other regions soon. Users in the above-mentioned regions will have to sign up for the Play Games beta to enjoy games on Windows PC.
Google Play Games group product manager Arjun Dayal said, “No more losing your progress or achievements when switching between devices; it just works with your Google Play Games profile!” Google has not shared the list of games that users be accessed on Windows PC. However, 9to5 Google has compiled a list of supported games:
- Asphalt 9: Legends
- Cookie Run: Kingdom
- Cookie Run: Ovenbreak
- Dragon Mania Legends
- Gardenscapes
- Homescapes
- Idle Heroes
- Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
- State of Survival: The Joker Collaboration
- Summoners War
- 三國志・戰略版 (Three Kingdoms Tactics)
- Top War: Battle Game
Google Play Games: Windows PC system requirements
Microsoft offers Windows Subsystem for Android that allows users to run Android apps through different sources. The Redmond-based company has teamed up with Amazon to let users install apps and games using the Amazon AppStore on Windows. However, the support for Google Play is not available yet. In December 2021, Google confirmed that it will allow Windows PCs users to run Android games.
Finally, the beta version of the Google Play Games has arrived in the form of a native Windows app. At present, it does not support game streaming. The user interface of the Play Games app is similar to Stadia’s Progressive Web App. The “Home” page of the app seemingly shows a preview image of a recently played game and the “Continue playing” section placed on the right allows users to install and play the game.
The app can sync status and in-game achievements to the desktop. It has a “Library” tab and an “All games” tab that showcases the list of games that can be installed. Users will be able to see whether the title “contain ads” or in-app purchase” before installation. Here are the system requirements for running Play Games on Windows PC:
- Windows 10 or higher (v2004)
- 8-core processor with hardware virtualisation support
- 8GB of RAM
- SSD storage with 20GB of available space
- Select gaming GPUs
- Windows admin account
Supported GPUs include: Nvidia GeForce GTX 600, 700, 800, 900, or 10 series, Volta series, GeForce 16, 20, or 30 series, Intel Iris Xe Graphics, AMD Radeon HD 7790, 7850, 7870, 7950, 7970, 7990, 8970, 8990, R9 200 series, R7 / R9 300 series, RX 400 series, RX 570, 580, 890, RX Vega series, VII series, and RX 5000 or 600 series. The above-mentioned system requirements suggest users will need a somewhat high-end PC to run Play Games.
