Google Play Games on PC vs Steam
Google Play Games on PC
play.google.com
Steam
store.steampowered.comSide by side
| Figure | Google Play Games on PC | Steam |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Spec score · App Store | 7.5 (#5) | 8.2 (#3) |
| Spec score · PC Game Launchers | 7.7 (#10) | 8.4 (#7) |
| Spec score · Game launchers | 7.6 (#37) | 9.1 (#5) |
| Catalog | Google describes its catalog as containing over 200,000 games across mobile and PC. | The storefront advertises nearly 30,000 games spanning major publishers and independent developers. |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Purpose | Google Play Games lets users play mobile games on Windows PCs, with improved graphics and keyboard and mouse controls. | Steam is an online destination for playing, discussing, and creating games. |
| Security | Google says Google Play runs over 10,000 safety checks on every game it offers. | Steam Guard in the mobile app can approve sign-ins and confirm trades and Community Market listings. |
| Support | Google provides installation troubleshooting, a feedback option, a Help Center contact route, and a help community. | Steam Support offers personalized help for purchases and account status after sign-in. |
Plans
In their own words
Google Play Games on PC
Google Play Games on PC lets users play mobile games on Windows computers with keyboard and mouse controls and improved graphics. Google describes the catalog as containing over 200,000 games across mobile and PC. For selected games on compatible devices, players can sync their library and progress between mobile and PC; some paid titles use one purchase to unlock both versions. A shared gamer profile can track stats, streaks, progress, and achievements, while Google Play Points and rewards can be used for discounts and in-game items. Play Games Sidekick with Gemini Live can show stats, achievements, and tips, and offer conversational guidance while a downloaded Play game is running. The software is free, though games and in-game items may cost extra. A PC needs Windows 10 version 2004, an SSD with 10 GB available, 8 GB RAM, four physical CPU cores, compatible graphics, an administrator account, and hardware virtualization. Availability is limited to supported regions and a personal Google Account set to one of them. Only the first installer on a PC can play games there.
Steam
Steam is an online destination for playing, discussing, and creating games. Its catalog includes nearly 30,000 games, with game hubs, reviews, achievements, and custom recommendations for discovery. Users can meet others, join groups, form clans, and use text or voice chat. Steam Workshop supports making, finding, and downloading mods and cosmetics for nearly 1,000 supported games. Steam Broadcast streams gameplay live to friends or the community. The Steam Mobile app on iOS and Android supports shopping, account protection, game news, notifications, and community features; Steam Guard can approve sign-ins and confirm trades or Community Market listings. Steamworks provides tools and services for developers and publishers distributing games on Steam. Steam is free, but game and content prices vary and some subscriptions may be free. Content is licensed rather than sold; use may require an account, the client, and an internet connection. Users under 13 may not subscribe, and country-specific age limits may also apply.