Overview
- Google has moved the games category out of beta and made it generally available for Android Auto and cars running Android Automotive OS.
- Developers can opt in to car form factors in the Play Console and publish games to the open testing and production tracks on Google Play.
- To qualify, apps must declare android:appCategory="game", include the CAR_LAUNCHER intent for Android Auto, and add the android.hardware.type.automotive uses-feature with android:required set according to the chosen distribution track.
- Games are classified as parked apps so they must not run while a vehicle is moving, must stop or block audio when driving begins, restore state on relaunch, comply with distraction rules, and pass a car app quality review after testing with the Desktop Head Unit and Automotive OS emulator.
- Early access partners have already shipped titles and the wider rollout should expand the catalog for passengers to use during downtime like charging stops or curbside waits while Google enforces safety and technical rules.