Google Quietly Launches Its Own Instant Games App
As reported by MobileGamer, Google has discreetly rolled out a standalone Instant Games app, serving as a dedicated home for YouTube Playables, the HTML5 game catalogue introduced within the YouTube App in 2023.
Games featured in the app, according to Google Play screenshots, include popular titles like Om Nom Run (Zeptolab), Stack Bounce and Crazy Caves (Gamesnacks), as well as Chess Classic, 8 Ball Billiards Classic, and Cannon Balls 3D (Famobi).
The app is accessible globally on the Google Play Store via the web, with over 10,000 downloads already. However, data from Appmagic shows it’s currently available in 44 countries, mainly across Latin America, MENA, Southeast Asia, and the US, with no release planned for most of Europe, China, or Hong Kong for now. The app went live on June 17.
Described simply as “a collection of fun and challenging H5 games you can play anytime, anywhere,” the app also appears to support offline play.
In addition to hypercasual hits like Tall Man Run, Attack Hole, Bridge Race, and Tomb of the Mask, the Playables library features major mobile brands such as Crossy Road, Hill Climb Racing, 8 Ball Pool, Jetpack Joyride, Angry Birds Showdown, and Cut The Rope.
This stealth launch comes shortly after Apple revealed its own standalone Games app at WWDC, which will be pre-installed on all devices. Unlike Apple’s more integrated approach, Google hasn’t officially announced its Instant Games app or shared details on its social channels.
