What to know

  • Google introduces Play Games Sidekick, a Gemini-powered in-game overlay for Android games.
  • Sidekick “sees” the game via screen sharing and offers conversational help while playing.
  • It also brings quick access to screenshots, screen recording, player stats, and community features.
  • Rollout begins in select games and markets; broader support will expand over time.

Navigating walkthroughs, forums, or video guides mid-game often disrupts momentum. Google’s new Sidekick feature seeks to eliminate that friction by integrating its Gemini AI directly into gameplay. With Sidekick, help is just a tap away—without pausing or exiting your game.

Google describes it as a “helpful in-game overlay” that curates relevant information and hooks into Gemini Live to deliver context-aware coaching.

How Sidekick works

Overlay and interface

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When playing a supported game downloaded from the Play Store, you’ll see a movable handle or tab (often on the screen edge). Tapping or dragging it opens a panel with tools and controls.

The panel supports both landscape and portrait orientations. Inside, you’ll find:

  • A button to launch Gemini Live.
  • Quick actions like screenshot, screen recording, streaming to YouTube.
  • Access to achievements, quests, Play Points, boosts, and relevant game stats.
  • Microphone mute and end session controls once Gemini Live is active.

Gemini Live integration

Once activated, Gemini Live begins screen sharing so the AI can “see” your game’s current state. That allows it to interpret what’s happening and offer tailored tips or strategies.

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You can ask questions aloud, and Gemini responds audibly (voice-to-voice) while considering the gameplay context.

Supported games and developer involvement

At launch, only a subset of games will support Sidekick. Google is encouraging developers to adopt it by including support in their games via its “Level Up” program.

Examples of supported titles early on include games from EA and Netmarble, such as Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes, FC Mobile, and Solo Leveling: Arise.

Google has set deadlines (e.g. July 2026) by which developers should integrate Sidekick for full support in the Play ecosystem.

Other features in the Play Store revamp

Sidekick is just one piece of a broader redesign of Google Play:

  • You tab: A personalized home hub combining your rewards, subscriptions, stats, and recommendations.
  • Enhanced game detail pages: These will now show your progress, achievements, ongoing events, and developer updates.
  • Community Q&A: Later rollout will let users ask and answer questions about a specific game right on its store page.
  • Play Games on PC: Leaving beta to reach general availability, enabling Android games on desktop with synced achievements across devices.
  • Play Games Leagues: A competitive structure tied to Play Points, starting with Subway Surfers from October 10 to 23.

Play Games Sidekick combines AI, social engagement, and in-game utilities to redefine mobile gaming on Android. This initiative by Google, leveraging Gemini AI, promises faster learning and more immersive play, making it easier to master games and connect with fellow players. Over time, expect wider game support and deeper AI capabilities enhancing the gaming landscape.