Google is reportedly testing a feature called “Playables” on YouTube, aimed at providing users with small gaming experiences directly within the YouTube browser or through a mobile app. The Wall Street Journal recently reported that Google informed YouTube employees about the ongoing testing of this product, which would grant users access to games on mobile devices and desktop computers.
Google’s Ambitions in the Gaming Market
While specific details about Playables are scarce due to its confidential nature, a leaked game called Stack Bounce suggests that the focus might be on simple brick-breaking games. A Google spokesperson acknowledged that gaming has been a focus for YouTube and mentioned ongoing experimentation with new features. However, no official announcements have been made regarding Playables.
This move by Google and YouTube seems to combine elements from other platforms’ gaming approaches. Facebook, for instance, previously offered games through a dedicated app called “Facebook Gaming” but later discontinued it. Nevertheless, games can still be played on Facebook’s website. The games available on Facebook’s platform typically include simple puzzle, idle, or matching games. YouTube’s Playables concept appears to align with this approach.
In contrast, Netflix has taken a different approach, allowing users to download full-sized titles and sign in with their Netflix account to play games. Google could potentially adopt either method for offering games on YouTube, although the motivation behind this move remains somewhat perplexing. Google’s previous gaming platform, Stadia, faced challenges due to scalability and the company’s level of commitment.
Google’s executives have expressed their seriousness about gaming and their desire to leverage the growing number of gamers visiting YouTube to watch live streams and other videos. However, if the games offered through Playables are not of higher quality or fail to meet the expectations of the gaming market, it may indicate a significant misjudgment on Google’s part.
While there is a possibility that Google may decide not to launch this product, if it does, there are concerns that it could meet a fate similar to other underdeveloped ideas from the company and join Google’s list of discontinued projects soon after its release.
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