However, not everyone knows, “what is Google Play Games?”, whether it cost money to use Google Play, & whether or not the app still exists. In this blog, I have answered many questions regarding Google Play Games, like “Does it saves progress?”, “Can Google Play Games work with family links?”, “How to change Google Play Games profile picture?”, and many more questions.
You can use the quick navigation below to jump to the topic you are interested in. So without any delay, let’s start with the first question which is “What is Google Play Games and do I need it?”.
Quick Navigation
- What Is Google Play Games And Do I Need It?
- Does Google Play Games Save Your Progress?
- Conclusion To What Is Google Play Games And Do I Need It?
- FAQs
What Is Google Play Games And Do I Need It?
Google Play games were originally launched as a place where you could track your achievements and connect with Google + friends. It was launched by Google in 2012 and allows us to compete with friends and family. However, the Google Plus service has been discontinued now, and you need to know your friend’s game ID to add new friends.
Another reason why Google made this app is because Apple had launched Gamecenter on iOS two years prior, in 2010. That app allowed users to connect & compete with their friends as well who use iOS devices. Initially, when this app from Google was launched, it was nothing more than new bloatware, but it is way more polished today.
So that’s what Google Play is, and to answer the “do I need it?’ part, it depends on whether or not you need the features it offers. Let’s talk about the feature, shall we?
Game Launcher
One of the things that I like about Google Play Games is that it also has a Game launcher feature. So you will find all the games you have installed on the app easy to access within Google Play Games in one place. So it was easy for me to decide & choose which game I wanted to play depending on my mood.
Moreover, this app allowed me to track which games I haven’t played in a long time & decide whether or not they are still worth keeping. There is also a library feature that showcases all the games I have ever played & provides a download option to install the game immediately.
It’s fun to see old games that I used to play in college & relive my old memories.
Achievements
If the game launcher is not a useful enough feature & you are considering uninstalling Google Play Games, then achievements might interest you. Just like you get achievement in games like GTA or on platforms like Steam, Google Play has them too.
These achievements help you showcase your gaming skill to know who is the better gamer among your friends. For instance, I have an Empty Sea achievement for Hungry Shark World Game for eating 10,000 fish & let me tell you it is a rare achievement, only 10% of players have this achievement.
Provides Games To Play When Bored On Google Play Games
As I said at the start, this is a perfect tool for gamers & that’s why it also comes with many SNES-inspired retro games. I mean, not everyone has 10GB of storage to spare for the latest Call of Duty & Fortnite games. There are many small retro games that you can start playing without downloading right in the Google Play app. However, an active internet connection is still required to play these games.
Does Google Play Games Save Your Progress?
This app on your device is not just for playing games & connecting with friends only; Google Play games also save your progress. What it means is that if you change phones or re-install a game, you will find that your progress has been saved & will be restored automatically. However, make sure you have selected the correct Google account while logging in to restore your game progress.
Hopefully, you now know the answer to the question, “What is Google Play Games and do I need it?” but if you are still not convinced, saving game progress will do it for you.
Does It Cost Money?
No, It is a completely free app with no kind of subscription or in-app purchase required to use it.
Is This App Necessary?
By default, most phones come with a pre-installed Google Play Games app to save your game progress. Smartphone manufacturers allow you to either uninstall the Google Play app or disable it.
In case you decide to uninstall the app, it won’t be causing any issues as it is not necessary to run smartphones smoothly. So to answer the question, no it is not necessary to keep it installed.
Can You Use Google Play With Family Link?
Currently, this app is not supported by Family Link which means that your kid’s progress will not be saved. It can be infuriating in case you have to change or reset your Android device.
Although, some users say that if you log in with your parent account first then you can use the Play Game app on your kid’s phone to save progress.
Is Google Play Games Safe?
Yes, the app is safe you don’t have to worry about your data leaking as this service is also part of Google’s terms of service. No one else will be able to get access to your data. The only personal information anyone can view is your in-game achievement and that too if they are your friends on the app.
How To Change Play Games Profile Picture?
To change your profile picture follow the steps I have mentioned below.
- Open the app, Tap on the Profile in the lower right corner.
- On the next screen, click on the edit button & tap on your profile picture to change your DP.
You can also watch my YouTube tutorial video below to know step by step process to understand better.
How To Delete Game Data From Google Account?
Every now & then you may come across a game that you have played already but you want to start fresh. For those users, I will recommend following the steps below to delete Google Play progress.
- Open Settings using the 3-button menu in the corner.
- Scroll below & tap on the Play Games account & data.
- On the next screen, you can delete individual save games or all of your save games.
One thing to note here is that you might also lose some in-app purchases permanently so do keep that in mind before deleting save game data from your Google account. I have shared my how-to delete game data on the Android video below, watch it to know step by step process in detail.
How To Change Default Google Play Games Account?
When you first open the app, it will ask you to sign with your Google account. Once you have selected your account, the same account will be used to log in or signup for future games you will play.
Worry not as you can change your default play games account quickly within a minute. Just follow the steps I have shared below.
- Within the app, open Settings & look for Change account for games option, click on it.
- On the next app screen, tap on the Change button to select a different default account for Google Play Games.
I have made a tutorial video on this topic, you watch it below to know step by step process of the same.
Conclusion To What Is Google Play Games And Do I Need It?
Unless you have some big issue with the app, it is definitely a requirement & you should keep it installed. I loved tracking my achievement on the app & my friend’s activity. However, if you don’t plan on playing any games or don’t want to use the Google Play Games to save progress then you can uninstall it.
This app has many features that make it one of the main core apps of the Android OS, and that’s what is Google Play Games is, and that’s why I need it. Do you need it too? Leave your thoughts in the comment below.
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FAQs
If you don't play games on an Android device then you can delete the Play Game app.
This app offers the ability to track & save your in-game progress so you can play right from where you left off. It also has the feature to connect with friends & family to compete against each other.
Yes, Google uses one of the best online security mechanisms so your data won't be accessible to any third party. The only data that is viewable is your in-game achievement that too is to your friends that you have added.
