android_frameworks_base/docs/html/distribute/engage/game-services.jd

page.title=Encourage Competition
page.metaDescription= Bring out the competitor in your users with cloud save, multiplayer game play, and more.
page.tags="games, games services, play games"
page.image=/images/cards/distribute/engage/card-game-services.png

@jd:body



<div id="qv-wrapper">
  <div id="qv">
    <h2>Features</h2>
    <ul>
      <li><a href="#simplify">Simplify your game development</a></li>
      <li><a href="#acquire-users">Acquire and engage users</a></li>
      <li><a href="#socialize">Socialize your games</a></li>
      <li><a href="#extend">Extend across form factors</a></li>
      <li><a href="#manage">Manage your games</a></li>
    </ul>
  </div>
</div>

<p>
  Three out of four Android users download games to their device, making games
  one the most popular additions to users’ devices. Making your games stand out
  from the crowd is therefore key to success.
</p>

<div class="figure">
  <img src="{@docRoot}images/google/gps-play_games_logo.png"
        srcset="{@docRoot}images/google/gps-play_games_logo.png 1x,
            {@docRoot}images/google/gps-play_games_logo_2x.png 2x"
      alt="" width="170" />
</div>

<p>
  Google Play game services save you from implementing popular game features
  yourself such as achievements, leaderboards, real-time multiplayer, and
  others. You can also let players sign in using their Google identity and
  share their gaming experience with friends. And there is comprehensive
  reporting and statistics to help you track and improve your game’s
  performance.
</p>

<p>
  Start now by visiting <a href="https://developers.google.com/games/services/"
  class="external-link">Google Play game services.</a>
</p>

<h3 id="simplify">Simplify your game development</h3>

<ul>
  <li>
    <strong>Set up Google Play Games Services:</strong> Use the Google Play
    Developer Console to manage games services and configure metadata for
    authorizing and authenticating your game.
  </li>

  <li>
    <strong>Use the Play Games APIs:</strong> Start integrating popular gaming
    features into your games by using the <a href=
    "https://developers.google.com/games/services/" class=
    "external-link">Google Play Games Services APIs.</a>
  </li>
</ul>

<h3 id="acquire-users">Acquire and engage users</h3>

<ul>
  <li>
    <strong>Player Analytics:</strong> View details on multiplayer games,
    average revenue per paying user (ARPPU), sessions per user, and more; as
    well as set and monitor daily revenue targets from a comprehensive
    dashboard of player and engagement statistics.
  </li>

  <li>
    <strong>Achievements:</strong> Set goals to encourage players to spend more
    time in your games and try new features; reward them with experience points
    that players redeem to gain level-ups in their Play Games profile.
  </li>

  <li>
    <strong>Quests:</strong> Offer players in-game rewards and benefits for
    exploring your game more deeply: use particular items, reach a certain
    level, or perform a specific game action. And set up quests without the
    need to release an app update.
  </li>
</ul>

<h3 id="socialize">Socialize your games</h3>

<ul>
  <li>
    <strong>Leaderboards:</strong> Drive competition among your players with
    daily, weekly, and all-time leaderboards. Create multiple leaderboards for
    game levels or other game features.
  </li>

  <li>
    <strong>Multiplayer games:</strong> Add the challenge of playing against
    others to your real-time and turn-by-turn games. Players can invite friends
    to install your game across form factors and supported platforms.
  </li>

  <li>
    <strong>Game gifts:</strong> Drive downloads and engagement by giving your
    players the ability to send virtual in-game objects to their friends. Also
    let players request gifts and use gifts as a trading mechanism within
    games.
  </li>
</ul>

<h3 id="extend">Extend across form factors</h3>

<ul>
  <li>
    <strong>Saved Games:</strong> Save game states to the cloud and enable
    players to resume games anytime on any of their devices. Cover images and
    descriptions show players where they left off and attract them back.
  </li>

  <li>
    <strong>Nearby Connections API:</strong> Enhance the experience of your
    games for Android TV by connecting seamlessly with smartphones and tablets,
    to use them as second-screen controllers.
  </li>
</ul>

<h3 id="manage">Manage your games</h3>

<ul>
  <li>
    <strong>Easily update your game metadata:</strong> Simplify your game
    testing and player account management with the <a href=
    "https://developers.google.com/games/services/management/" class=
    "external-link">Google Play games services Management API.</a>
  </li>

  <li>
    <strong>Automate your game production and distribution tasks:</strong>
    Modify listings and upload icons for achievements and leaderboards with the
    <a href="https://developers.google.com/games/services/publishing/" class=
    "external-link">Google Play games services Publishing API.</a>
  </li>

  <li>
    <strong>Insights and alerts:</strong> Get information on how to improve
    your multiplayer, leaderboards, achievements, and other game services
    implementations from the Developer Console.
  </li>

  <li>
    <strong>Anti-piracy:</strong> Optionally disable game services for games
    not purchased from the Play Store.
  </li>
</ul>

<h3 id="tips">Tips</h3>
<ul>
  <li>The best Google Play game services integrations are highly visible,
  customized, achievable, and incentivized.
  </li>

  <li>Prompt players to sign in to Google Play game services when your game
  launches. This ensures they get access to the game service features, and also
  maximizes the number of players online and ready to collaborate.
  </li>

  <li>Avoid creating achievements that rely too much on elements beyond the
  player's control or cannot be earned once the player has made a decision in
  your game.
  </li>

  <li>With Google Play game services, you can add seamless interaction between
  Android and your games on the web and other platforms.
  </li>
</ul>

<p style="clear:both">
</p>

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<h2 id="related-resources">Related Resources</h2>
</div>

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