# Is Google Play Games Headed for the Tech Graveyard? Features May Be Integrated into the Play Store

## Is Google Play Games Headed for the Tech Graveyard? Features May Be Integrated into the Play Store

Google Play Games, the app that allows Android users to track achievements and connect with other gamers, might be facing an uncertain future. Reports suggest that Google is quietly incorporating key features of the Play Games app directly into the Google Play Store, hinting at a potential sunsetting of the standalone app.

According to a report by *Android Police*, this move suggests that Google Play Games might be destined for the infamous “Google Graveyard,” a term used to describe discontinued Google products.

The speculation is further fueled by observations from APK teardown specialist AssembleDebug. In a post on X, AssembleDebug noted the lack of significant updates to the Google Play Games app’s user interface and features in recent months. Conversely, they discovered updates within the Google Play Store app itself that include upcoming Gamer Profiles and the ability to “follow” other users. Notably, the Play Store appears to already be tracking user achievements.

Google Play Games was originally launched in 2013 as Google’s answer to Apple’s Game Center. At the time, smartphone gaming was rapidly gaining popularity and directly competing with portable gaming consoles. As is often the case with Google, features are sometimes migrated between apps as they mature. A recent example of this is the transition from Google Pay to Google Wallet.

It’s important to differentiate between the Google Play Games app on Android and the Google Play Games for PC service. The PC service allows users to play select Android games on Windows computers and has been in beta for over three years. Just last month, Google announced plans to add even more games to the PC platform.

While Google continues to invest in the Google Play Games for PC platform, the future of the Android app looks increasingly grim. The integration of its features into the Play Store seems to suggest that Google Play Games for Android is on a path towards redundancy and eventual discontinuation. Whether this will improve user experience and streamline the gaming ecosystem remains to be seen.