Google Play Games has been around since 2012, and most of us have probably used it at some point during that time. It’s included on all Android devices running 4.4 or higher, as well as on iPhones, iPads, and iPods running iOS 9 or higher. Yet even though Google Play Games has been around for quite some time, there are still things that people don’t know about it – things that can make it even more convenient to use and more fun to play with other people! 10 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do With Google Play Games
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1) Buy And Sell In-Game Items
Though its a little-known feature, you can use credit cards to buy and sell in-game items on Google Play. While not every game supports it, it works for Clash of Clans, Candy Crush Saga and several other games. If you want your card details attached to your account for purchases, check out Settings > Use Credit Card To Make Purchases In Your Apps And On The Play Store.
2) Create A Contest
Whether you’re a developer or a publisher, contests are an easy way to build buzz for your app—and get more players. The key here is planning out exactly what kind of contest you’ll run and making sure to announce it in advance. It’s also important to have some prizes on hand, even if they’re not life-changing (think T-shirts and other merchandise). Announcement: Make sure to publicize your contest well before you start it.
3) Access Data About Users
One of my favorite features of Google Analytics is that you can connect it with your AdMob account. This lets you see detailed data about your users—including which ad networks they have clicked on, and if they made a purchase or not. It’s great for analyzing user behavior.
4) Earn Badges and Achievements
If you’re a gaming fanatic, you might be pleased to know that Google has a built-in solution for connecting to your favorite games in their mobile app marketplace. The service is called Google Play Games, and it works by pairing with certain games from developers who have integrated it into their products. After signing in with your Google account, which is used as an authentication system for these services, you can unlock achievements or badges for things like completing certain levels or beating bosses without dying.
5) Customize Your Game Settings
Don’t want to be interrupted by notifications when you’re playing a game? Go into Settings and customize how your games notify you. Don’t want any sounds or vibrations while you play? Easily turn that off, along with things like getting a notification when a friend beats your high score. These options can be found under Settings > Apps > Games.
6) Invite Friends To Play
There are plenty of games out there that let you bring your friends into the fray—and with most, you can even bring people who aren’t in your immediate circle into play. For example, with popular games like Candy Crush Saga or Clash of Clans, you can send an invitation to anyone in your contacts list. If they’re interested and want to play alongside you, they can enter their game ID (generally found within a person’s profile) and begin playing.
7) Link Accounts To Use Google+ Features
Just like you can use your Google+ account to post status updates, add photos, and so on, you can also link it to your games (and other apps) so that they have access to certain information. This is very convenient if you have multiple Android devices. To connect your game with your G+ profile: Go into Settings > Accounts and Links > Link new accounts > Create a new account. Select Google, then sign in with your G+ credentials.
8) Practice Other Social Channels
Being active on your own company’s social media accounts is one thing, but being active on other networks can help your business reach a new audience. For example, tweeting out a YouTube video you think people would enjoy or helping them learn more about something they’re interested in via Pinterest. It also helps you establish yourself as an expert on these platforms which can make it easier for people to trust your brand.
9) Run In-Game Events On Twitter or Facebook
Have you ever wanted to host a game event that’s playable online, but you don’t have enough players on your friends list? Well, thanks to a new feature in Player Events, you can now connect your game with social media and run games on Twitter or Facebook. We call these offline events. Now that your game is hooked up to social media, everyone will be able to see an upcoming game event listed in their timeline.
10) Take Advantage Of The Sandbox Mode
With so many games to choose from, it can be difficult to decide what you want to play. Fortunately, there’s a way around that dilemma: sandbox mode. In sandbox mode, you can test out a new game without having to grind through all of its content first and figure out what you like and don’t like about it. This feature is great for eliminating gaming droughts by letting you explore plenty of titles until you find something worth sticking with.
