Arguably the biggest news to come from Wednesday's Google I/O was the unveiling of the new Google Play Game Services.
For those that missed it, Game Services is Android's response to Apple's Game Center that supports multiplayer, leaderboards, achievements, and cloud saving.
The notable difference between Game Services and Game Center is that the former integrates directly into games via the Google Play SDK while the latter is a standalone app and is something of a walled garden.
Apparently, developers see a lot of potential in Game Services as both indie developers and major mobile publishers announced integration of the new Game Services into their apps.
Game on
Shortly after I/O wrapped up, Gameloft announced that an update to its FPS Modern Combat 4 would make it the first Gameloft title to support Google Play Game Services.
Following Modern Combat 4, Gameloft will roll out Google Play Game Services updates to Asphalt 7 and Dungeon Hunter 4 'soon'. The likes of Glu, HandyGames, and Pocket Gems have all also pledged their support.
Indeed, Google has published a list of games that already support Game Services over on its developers blog, with indie hits like World of Goo lining up next to the likes of Glu's Eternity Warriors 2, Get Set Games' Mega Run, and Vector Unit's Riptide GP.
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Representing the former colonies, Matt keeps the Pocket Gamer news feed updated when sleepy Europeans are sleeping. As a frustrated journalist, diehard gamer and recovering MMO addict, this is pretty much his dream job.
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