Google Play Games To Support Cross-Platform Multiplayer With iOS

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Ahead of the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco this week, Google has announced a number of changes and improvements it is making to Google Play Games. In addition to adding support for cross-platform multiplayer gaming with iOS, the search giant will also offer virtual gifting and support for multiplayer game invites.

Gaming is huge on Android. Google says three out of every four Android users are using their devices to play games, and with that in mind, it’s making some big improvements to its Play Games service.

One of those improvements is the introduction of game gifts, which gives players the ability to send virtual in-game objects to anyone in their Google+ circles or though player search. So you can finally send your loved one some upgrades in Plants vs. Zombies 2 when you miss her birthday or a big anniversary.

Play Games is also getting support for direct multiplayer invites. Rather than having to send invites through individual games, then, you can ask friends to join you though Play Games instead.

One of the biggest changes coming to Play Games is support for cross-platform multiplayer with iOS. No longer will you be restricted to playing only with friends who have Android devices — you’ll be able to connect with those using iPhones and iPads, too.

Other improvements coming to Play Games include an early Play Games C++ SDK, enhanced statistics, and an update to the Unity plug-in.

Google says “most of” these features will be available tomorrow, March 18, when the company announces them at GDC. Of course, some of the changes — such as cross-platform multiplayer — will require changes from developers before we can enjoy them.

Source: Google

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