Google+ has taken the next step in evolving their service by launching a new games section. While still in its infancy, Google+ contains a starting offer of sixteen titles. The best known is a web app version of Angry Birds, but there’s also bunches of other genres.
Some of the web apps appear to be clones of popular titles, like Edgeworld mimicking StarCraft and Wild Ones taking on the popular Scorched Earth or Worms genre. There is a good selection of apps, and it appears that Google is working on adding more as they roll out the service to the general Google+ population.
There are lots of casual titles on Google+ Games that are ideal for a quick session, but many apps also use the timed upgrade mechanic of many web apps, requiring users to wait to for replenishment of items or energy to perform tasks. Like many other web apps, there is also in-app support to purchase quicker upgrades and progression.
Google+ might be mimicking Facebook games, but there is a lot more variety in the selection of apps. What Google+ is doing to set it apart from Facebook is offering a better variety at the start of the launch, focusing on different genres of titles rather than the known “simulation” or “casual game”, as well as accepting games that increase single-sitting playtime.
The future is looking bright for Google+ Games – they’re offering a great range of games in the starting lineup, but crunch time will come in the second wave of the launch, when users will really be able to see if the service is living up to its potential.
Google+ is rolling out Games for Google+ users and it should be available for all users in the near future.
