In a recent report by the Wall Street Journal, it has been revealed that Google is considering online games as a new source of income for its popular video hosting platform, YouTube. The tech giant has allegedly invited employees to participate in testing a new product called Playables, which allows users to access and play online games directly on YouTube. Interestingly, the games are said to be accessible on both mobile and desktop devices, making them widely available to users regardless of their preferred platform.
According to internal emails obtained by the Journal, users will have the option to play these games either through a web browser on the YouTube website or via the YouTube app on Android and iOS devices. Although the report suggests that multiple games are currently available for testing, it specifically mentions a game called Stack Bounce. This ad-supported arcade game involves players smashing layers of bricks using a bouncing ball.
While YouTube already generates revenue from gaming livestreams, this new product presents an additional opportunity for the platform to generate income from the gaming industry, particularly at a time when advertising spending is declining. It is worth noting that Google’s previous foray into the gaming sector with its Stadia game streaming service was not successful, leading to its eventual shutdown. However, Playables represents a distinct venture, leveraging YouTube’s extensive user base and high traffic volume.
Comparisons can be drawn between Playables and Netflix’s gaming product, which offers paying subscribers access to casual games on mobile devices. Netflix, too, has ambitious plans for its gaming initiative and is reportedly exploring the expansion of its gaming offerings to include TV games that utilize smartphones as controllers.
With YouTube’s vast audience regularly visiting the platform, attracting attention to the new product is not expected to be a challenge. Playables presents an opportunity for YouTube to diversify its revenue streams and capitalize on the popularity of online gaming. By providing users with the ability to play games directly on the platform, YouTube aims to further engage its audience and enhance their overall experience.
As Google continues to explore the potential of Playables and its integration within YouTube, industry observers will be closely monitoring the development and reception of this new gaming feature. Should it prove successful, it could serve as a significant step forward for YouTube in its pursuit of expanding revenue sources and solidifying its position as a leading platform in the online entertainment landscape.
