Google Play Games Update Introduces Public Gaming Profiles and Social Features
Google is preparing a significant update for its Play Games app that will introduce detailed player profiles complete with gaming statistics and milestones. The update, set to roll out on September 23rd with a slightly later launch of October 1st for users in the EU and UK, will allow other players to see which games you have played, the amount of time spent in them, and any achievements you have unlocked. The company also hints at new social features, though specifics remain unclear.
This move positions Google Play Games as a direct competitor to established gaming profiles on platforms like Steam, PlayStation, and Xbox. To build out these new profiles, Google will collect usage data from games you have installed or played in the past. The company notes that it may share information about your in-game activity with developers. Users will have a one-time option to import their past gaming activity from their account history, instantly populating their new profile with historical data. The collection of this gaming data can already be managed through Activity Controls in Google account settings.
Privacy controls are a central part of the update. Users have complete control over the visibility of their profile. A public profile allows others to follow you and view your gaming activity. For those who prefer to keep their gaming habits private, the option exists to hide the profile entirely, preventing anyone from knowing how much time was spent on any particular game. Users also retain the freedom to delete their Play Games profile completely, which will erase all associated data.
This overhaul of Google’s gaming ecosystem coincides with a similar push from Apple. The company’s upcoming annual software updates will introduce a new dedicated app called Games, which will replace the older Game Center. Pre-installed on updated iPhones, iPads, and Macs, the Games app is designed to function as a modern gaming hub. It will feature leaderboards, matchmaking services, game recommendations, and news about new titles. Much like Google’s updated service, it will include social components that let users see what their friends are playing.
