Google is introducing a new software overlay called the Play Games Sidekick that integrates Gemini Live while playing games on your phone, alongside updates to Google Play aimed at enhancing the gaming experience.
- Google is introducing Play Games Sidekick today.
- Sidekick is a small, moveable tab in games.
- Gemini Live offers game tips while playing.
- Google is rolling out features in select games.
- PC version of Google Play Games is coming out of beta.
Sidekick is a small, moveable tab in games from the Play Store, providing access to tools like a screenshot button, screen recording, and shortcuts for going live on YouTube, along with achievements and game stats.
Gemini plays a significant role in Sidekick by offering curated game tips and a button to start Gemini Live, which can provide strategies and in-game item references based on minimal context from users.
Gemini in Sidekick is not intended to replace detailed game guides but offers quicker answers than traditional searches. The rollout of Play Games Sidekick and its AI features will be limited to select games, including titles from EA and NetMarble.
Google aims to unify the mobile gaming experience with a “platform-level gaming profile” that tracks stats and achievements across Android and PC, allowing users to follow friends and engage in forums for games in the Play Store.
Originally reported by www.engadget.com as “Google is turning Gemini into a gaming sidekick with a new Android overlay” on 2025-09-23 17:00:00.
