YouTube is known for videos that span across various genres, but now the platform is adding a sprinkle of gaming to the mix. Don’t expect a robust cloud-gaming ecosystem; YouTube’s latest feature, tentatively named “Playables,” is more like having a little pocket arcade on your homepage.
The new Minigames will be available on both desktop and mobile platforms
Accessible to only a few lucky beta testers, “Playables” is still in its infancy. The feature appears as a tab next to the content on the home feed, for those who’ve been chosen. Whether you’re chilling on your desktop or scrolling through your mobile, these mini-games can be played on both platforms.
One example is a game called Stack Bounce, where you guide a ball through rings. If that sounds familiar, it’s because Google previously introduced this game on its now-defunct GameSnacks service. This move begs the question: Is YouTube’s gaming feature just a rehashed idea or the start of something big?
In a time where even Netflix and TikTok are boarding the gaming train, YouTube’s foray might seem late to the party. Unlike Google’s ambitious but ultimately failed Stadia service, YouTube seems to be treading carefully. The platform has even introduced a “History” tab to save game progress, hinting at the potential for more complex games in the future.
While YouTube’s gaming feature may not be revolutionary, its cautious approach could be its strength. Staying low-key and testing the waters with mini-games allows YouTube to learn and pivot without making waves, and that could just be the smartest move yet. Will “Playables” be a game-changer or just another feature lost in the vast ocean of YouTube content? Only time will tell. For now, it’s a playground with a single swing, but it holds the promise of becoming a full-fledged park.
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(Via)
