Google Play Games

Zift Advisory

The Google Play Games app is an online arcade where users can select from a multitude of games offered in the app, play with friends and keep track of their scores. This app is only available in the Google Play Store, is rated for users of all ages, and does feature in-app purchases. This app is safe for teens.

About Google Play Games

What is Google Play Games?

The Google Play Games app is somewhat of an online arcade. Users can select from a multitude of games offered in the app, play with friends and keep track of their scores.

The Google Play Games app is only available in the Google Play Store for Android devices. It is rated for users of all ages and does feature in-app purchases.

Once downloaded users can open the app andcreate a Gamer ID. At that time, they can also choose if they want to allow others to find their Gamer ID using their name or email address or allow other players to view their game activity. They can also select a character badge that represents them.

Next, four pre-installed games are shown on the screen. These games appear to be kid-friendly (Pac Man, Snake, Cricket, Solitaire) however once the games are clicked on, a substantial amount of additional information is available. Videos from You Tube are included in this information.

In addition to the pre-installed games, users can opt to purchase games in the “Arcade” for $0.99 to $19.99. There are games within the arcade that contain violence, horror themes and other inappropriate content.

Apps similar to Google Play Games include GOG Galaxy by GOG, and Origin by EA. As of 12/14/18, this app received updates including the addition of a Dark theme and the ability to access recent games with the touch of an icon.

On average, users give this app a rating of 4.3/5.0. Overall, users are impressed with the ability to save their high scores and there are few complaints.

Is Google Play Games safe for my kids?

This app can be safe for older teens. Although this is a popular app with over 1 billion downloads, within the “Arcade” section of the app, games can be purchased which contain violence, horror themes and inappropriate language and content.

Privacy settings are offered in the app but this doesn’t compensate for the availability of inappropriate content. Also, the additional information offered for the pre-installed games (in the form of videos) may contain questionable content.

Because in-app purchases of games can be made, parental supervision is still recommended for teens to ensure that they understand the financial ramifications of such purchases.

The ESRB rating of this app is “Teen” which is appropriate considering the access to games that contain violence and other content not suitable for young children.