Google Might Discontinue Popular App and Merge Its Features with the Play Store

There is currently no clear timeline regarding the retirement of the Google Play Games app. Google has a reputation for discontinuing its products relatively fast, often targeting even popular services like Chromecast and Google Podcasts. Last year alone, the tech giant from Mountain View terminated at least eight apps and services. While it remains uncertain how many products Google plans to retire in 2025, it appears that the company may be eyeing the discontinuation of a familiar app this year.

Rumors suggest that Google Play Games could be the next app added to Google’s growing list of discontinued products, as speculated by renowned APK Teardown Specialist, AssembleDebug, on social media. Although Google has not officially confirmed this information, signs of an impending shutdown have emerged, particularly as the company has begun integrating key features of Google Play Games into the Google Play Store. AssembleDebug noted that one such feature now available on the Google Play Store is the ability to track achievements. Many Android users have indicated on platforms like Reddit that they utilize the Google Play Games app mainly for this function.

Furthermore, there are plans to incorporate additional features, such as managing Gamer profiles and following other gamers, into the Google Play Store in upcoming updates. In stark contrast, no significant updates to the Google Play Games app have surfaced in some time, raising suspicions that its days may be numbered. It is important to distinguish this situation from Google Play Games for PC, which launched in 2022 and remains in beta. This version is particularly valuable since it offers a reliable means to play Android games on a Windows PC, especially now that Microsoft has retired the Windows Subsystem for Android.

Conversely, the Google Play Games Android app was initially released in 2013, bringing features like “instant play” and casual gaming. While there is no definitive timeline for the potential retirement of the Google Play Games Android app, it is unlikely that this will occur before the completion of transferring its key features to the Google Play Store. With 2025 still some time away, Google has ample opportunity to assess its plans regarding this app before making a final decision.