YouTube is rolling out “Playables”, a collection of free games you can play directly on the platform. In the last couple of months, a limited number of users in select markets have been testing Playables. The games include lightweight, entertaining games like Angry Birds Showdown, Words of Wonders, Cut the Rope, Tomb of the Mask, and Trivia Crack
You’ll soon start to see them on your YouTube app.
Here’s how you can find them:
- Head to the main YouTube Home page, either on desktop or the iOS and Android app and find Playables from the Explore menu.
- Choose from 75+ games and jump right in! You can even share the game with friends by tapping the three-dot more menu.
YouTube ventured into the gaming sector last year by introducing Playables exclusively to YouTube Premium subscribers. This initial rollout featured a limited selection of games and was available for a brief period, concluding in March of this year.
Tech companies are increasingly using casual games to attract and retain subscribers. LinkedIn recently launched a selection of entertaining games, while The New York Times and Netflix have also integrated games into their services. Even Google, YouTube’s parent company, ventured into gaming with the Google Stadia cloud gaming service in 2019. However, Stadia was discontinued after just over three years in 2023.
The Appeal of Casual Games
Casual games are an appealing addition to platforms due to their accessibility and broad audience appeal. They offer a quick and engaging diversion that can keep users entertained and coming back for more. For YouTube, integrating Playables could mean higher user retention and increased time spent on the platform, which is valuable for advertisers and content creators alike.
YouTube’s Strategy and Future Prospects
By incorporating Playables, YouTube not only broadens its content spectrum but also positions itself as a more versatile entertainment platform. This move could attract a new segment of users who are interested in gaming, thereby expanding its user base. Moreover, it allows YouTube to experiment and refine its gaming offerings before potentially rolling out more advanced gaming features in the future.
