Google Play Games Gets a New AI “Sidekick”

Google Play Games has introduced Play Games Sidekick, a new AI-enhanced interface powered by Gemini Live that offers real-time tips, strategies, and guidance to Android gamers. The Sidekick panel appears as a movable overlay within any game from the Play Store, providing quick access to screenshots, screen recording tools, and even the ability to launch a YouTube Live stream.

It also gives instant access to achievements and gameplay statistics, with Gemini Live acting as a game coach to suggest opening strategies and situational advice, including a recent example for The Battle of Polytopia. Initially, Sidekick will be available for a selective group of partner titles, including EA and NetMarble releases such as Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes, FC Mobile, and Solo Leveling: Arise, with plans to expand over time.

Alongside Sidekick, Google is rolling out updates to Play Games, including a unified player profile, AI-generated avatars, and social features, while Google Play Games for PC has officially exited its beta phase, positioning itself as a direct competitor to Steam and Epic Games for cross‑platform play and achievement synchronisation.