Google Play Games is making an update that will change the way profiles work by adding some features that Steam players have come to know and love. The changes to Google Play Games may be significant enough to draw some players in, or it may make them more involved in the process, like some Steam users are.
Steam is the most popular PC gaming platform around, though several other companies have either tried to compete or at least co-exist in the market with the platform. While Google Play Games got its start exclusively on Android devices, it's since spread to other markets, with user profiles now syncing up when players use Google Play Games on PC. Now, the gaming service is adding some new features to profiles that fans may appreciate.
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Google Play Games Makes Profile Changes Similar to Steam's
Google has now announced that Google Play Games profiles will be updated to provide a more unified view of "your gaming journey" across devices. The updated profile will reportedly still include features like achievements, but will also add new features, like allowing players to showcase their achievements and stats in games. It will also add "new ways to build your gaming community," though Google didn't go into much detail on this. Players will also be given ways to tailor their gaming profile to look how they like.
These updates will go live on September 23, 2025 worldwide, except in the EU and UK, where they will launch on October 1. Players can choose to make their profiles public, which will not only display things like stats to other gamers, but will allow players to follow others and see their gaming updates. Current profile settings will be carried over, so those who prefer not to have their mobile game accolades displayed to others will need to change their profile visibility accordingly. Players should also be aware that Google is changing the way that it handles gaming data, explaining that the service will collect information on things like what games a user is playing, which games they have installed, and how much time they've put into the title.
At this point, it sounds as though Google could also be adding community features similar to Steam's, but more will become clear when the update launches. Profile stats are not only a great way for players to show off their hard-earned game achievements, but they're often also used to help make friends and to find new games, based on what those friends are playing. Those who would prefer to not participate in these new features should consider setting their profile visibility to private now, so they're ready when the update lands.
