When Google first announced Google Play Game Services at the Google I/O 2013 conference, there was confusion about whether it did or didn't support iOS.

Ten months on, that confusion is over.

At GDC 2014, Google has announced that Google Play Game Services now support turn-based and real-time multiplayer features for Android and iOS games.

As part of this push, Google's updating its Play Games Unity plug-in, making things easier for developers using the middleware.

There's also a Play Games C++ SDK for coding cross-platform achievements and leaderboards.

Takes two to tango

Of course, making something technically available and seeing widespread adoption are two completely different things.

This is particularly the case as it's very unlikely Apple will be keen to highlight games that enable such cross-platform functionality on its App Store.

Also, these services rely on Google+ as a personal identifier, further reducing the audience size - something that's key for a global multiplayer network.

Wish list

It's not the only update to Google Play Game Services, however.

Google's improving its engagement analytics, and will also make analytics available from within the AdMob interface so developers can better see how players are interacting with in-app advertising.

Finally, you'll have the option to gift in-app objects to your friends, again assuming they're signed up using Google+.