Google has recently announced that it will be discontinuing its cloud gaming service, Stadia. However, there are reports that the search giant has been working on something new and innovative called Playables. This new initiative will allow users to play online games directly on the YouTube platform. Playables will be available on both the web version of YouTube and on mobile applications for Android and iOS.
The integration of online games with the YouTube platform is an innovative idea that has the potential to revolutionize the gaming industry. By allowing users to play games directly on the platform, YouTube is creating a new way for gamers to connect and engage with each other.
Google’s Playables: Games are coming to YouTube
Currently, Playables is undergoing internal testing, and Google employees have been invited to participate. So far, only one game, Stack Bounce, is available. This is an arcade game where the goal is to break horizontal blocks with a bouncing ball while moving vertically downwards.
The Playables project is reportedly part of YouTube CEO Neil Mohan’s efforts to find new areas of growth. As ad spending on the platform has been declining. With Playables, YouTube hopes to attract more users and keep them engaged for longer periods of time.
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This move into gaming is not a surprise. Google has been trying to enter the gaming market for some time, with mixed success. Stadia was launched in 2019 with much fanfare, but it failed to gain traction and was plagued with technical issues. Google’s decision to shut down Stadia’s internal game development studios earlier this year was seen as a sign that the company was giving up on the gaming market altogether.
However, with Playables, Google seems to be taking a different approach. Instead of trying to compete with established gaming platforms like Xbox and PlayStation, Google is leveraging the popularity of YouTube to create a new gaming experience for users.
The potential for Playables is huge. YouTube is already the world’s largest video sharing platform, with over two billion monthly active users. By integrating gaming into the platform, YouTube could become a one stop shop for entertainment. Attracting even more users and keeping them engaged for longer periods of time.
It remains to be seen how successful Playables will be. But it is certainly an exciting development for both gamers and YouTube users alike. If Playables takes off, it could change the gaming industry forever. And cement YouTube’s position as the world’s leading entertainment platform.
