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Google Overhauls Play Store With Gemini, Player Profiles and In‑Game Sidekick

Google is turning Play into a personalized hub to boost discovery, keeping players engaged inside its ecosystem.

Searching for icon packs on the Play Store on the Galaxy S25 Ultra
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Overview

  • Google began rolling out a redesigned Play Store in major markets, adding Guided Search and a revamped Apps tab with curated spaces tailored to seasons and regional interests like WNBA in the U.S. and cricket or comics in India and Japan.
  • The new You tab centralizes subscriptions, Play Points, recommendations, and progress, while gamer profiles span mobile and PC, support public sharing, and offer AI‑generated avatars.
  • Play Games Sidekick debuts as an in‑game Gemini overlay that provides real‑time tips via voice or text, launching first in EA and Netmarble titles including FC Mobile, Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes, and Solo Leveling: Arise.
  • The updated Games tab concentrates stats, achievements, rewards, and community features, and Play Games Leagues will open with a Subway Surfers competition awarding Play Points from October 10 to 23.
  • Google Play Games on PC exits beta to expand cross‑device play, while Google declined to answer questions about reducing its 30% in‑app purchase cut and said developer opt‑outs vary by feature.