Google’s “Play Games AI Sidekick” and “Level Up”

Google is rolling out a major update to its Play gaming platform, introducing two new features aimed at reshaping the mobile gaming experience: Play Games Sidekick and Google Play Level Up. While they serve different purposes, together they reflect Google’s push to make mobile gaming smarter, more supportive, and more rewarding for both players and developers.

Play Games Sidekick: An In-Game AI Companion

Play Games Sidekick is one of the most ambitious additions to Google Play in recent years. Built on Google’s Gemini Live technology, the feature works as an overlay inside the game, meaning it can “see” what is happening on the screen and respond in real time.

Sidekick can provide hints, strategy tips, or even step-by-step walkthroughs without requiring players to pause the game or switch apps. It can also surface progress updates, rewards, and useful stats, keeping the experience smooth and immersive. For new players, Sidekick could act almost like an interactive tutorial, making it easier to get started with complex titles. For seasoned gamers, it can serve as a quick reference tool for tough levels or hidden challenges.

The technology behind Sidekick has the potential to change how players interact with games. Traditionally, many turn to YouTube videos, or walkthrough sites when stuck. With Sidekick, that support lives inside the game itself, shortening the learning curve and reducing frustration. This could influence how games are created in the future, with AI playing a bigger role in guiding and supporting players.

Google Play Level Up: A Program for High-Quality Games

Alongside Sidekick, Google is introducing Google Play Level Up, a program created to reward games that meet higher quality standards. Almost every game is automatically enrolled until July 2026. After that, only titles that meet Google’s new User Experience Guidelines will remain in the program.

Why it matters:

• Better re-engagement: Games will benefit from visibility in the new “You” tab in the Play Store, where players see updates, offers, and events that drive retention.

• More discovery: Titles may gain access to editorial features, Play Points promotions, and new recommendation surfaces, boosting acquisition.

• Deeper insights: Developers get advanced performance data in Play Console to improve acquisition, engagement, and monetization.

The catch:

• Meeting evolving UX requirements will be necessary, including support for cloud saves, device continuity, and smooth input.

• Featuring opportunities are not guaranteed and remain at Google’s discretion.

• Implementing these standards may require extra development and QA resources, so planning for return on investment will be important.

What It Means

Together, Sidekick and Level Up mark a shift in how the Play platform supports both players and developers. Sidekick makes games easier and more enjoyable by offering real-time assistance. Level Up encourages developers to raise the quality of their titles, while also offering tools and opportunities for greater visibility.

The Bigger Picture

This latest update shows how AI and structured programs are shaping the future of mobile gaming. AI is no longer a background feature but an active part of the play experience, while initiatives like Level Up aim to improve the overall ecosystem by setting higher standards and rewarding games that meet them.

Play Games “Sidekick” and Google Play “Level Up” are separate but complementary. One enhances the player experience inside the game, while the other motivates developers to deliver more polished and engaging titles. Together, they represent a step forward in making mobile gaming more immersive, supportive, and rewarding for everyone involved.

Ready to make the most of Google Play’s Sidekick and Level Up features? Contact us today to optimize your game.