Google Play Games is preparing a major update that will reshape how player profiles work, bringing in features that mirror what Steam users have enjoyed for years. The new system is designed to create a more unified view of a player’s gaming activity across devices while also expanding customization and community features.
The update officially rolls out worldwide on September 23, 2025, with the EU and UK release scheduled for October 1.
A Unified Gaming Journey Across Devices
Originally built as an Android-exclusive service, Google Play Games has since expanded onto PC, allowing progress and profiles to sync between platforms. With this update, Google is reworking the way profiles display a player’s journey.
Current achievements will remain, but profiles will now include new options such as:
- Showcasing achievements and stats across different games.
- Profile customization to better reflect individual play styles.
- Community-oriented features designed to help players connect.
Google has hinted at “new ways to build your gaming community,” though full details will become clearer when the update launches.
Public and Private Profile Options
Players will be able to make their profiles public, which means:
- Others can see their stats, achievements, and game history.
- Gamers can follow each other for updates and activity feeds.
- Visibility will extend across both mobile and PC platforms.
However, those who prefer privacy should adjust their profile settings before launch. By default, existing visibility settings will carry over, but players may want to review them if they don’t want their mobile accolades shared.
Data Collection Changes
Alongside these new features, Google has confirmed that it will change the way gaming data is collected. The service will now gather information such as:
- What games a user is playing.
- Which games are installed.
- How much time is spent in each title.
While this information powers the new stats and community tools, privacy-conscious players may wish to keep their profiles set to private.
Steam-Like Community Features
The update appears to be the first step toward building a community experience closer to Steam’s. Achievements and stats will not only let players show off their progress but could also help them connect with others who share similar interests or discover new games through their friends’ activity.
Whether these changes will be enough to pull more players into Google Play Games remains to be seen, but the move signals Google’s ambition to strengthen its position in the PC and mobile gaming market.
