YouTube Premium launches 'Playables' with game streaming for over 30 mini-games

YouTube has launched "Playables," a new feature for Premium subscribers at no additional cost, that offers access to over 30 mini-games within the mobile or desktop app. The feature was initially reported back in June and tested on a select group in September, and now YouTube Premium subscribers have been invited to try it out. The service's availability is scheduled until March 28, 2024, suggesting that it may be a trial feature.

Playables includes 37 mini-games that don't require downloading or installation as they exist within the YouTube platform, unlike popular alternatives such as Netflix Games or Apple Arcade, which require the game to be downloaded first. The collection features games from popular franchises like Angry Birds, Solitaire and Crossword games, and many other arcade games.YouTube Playables is accessible on Android mobile devices and desktops via a web browser, and Premium subscribers can access these games in the "Playables" section under the Explore tab.

This service, focusing on mobile games, represents a departure from Google's previous (now discontinued) gaming initiative, Stadia, and while Playables might seem like a return to attempting to enter the video game industry, the reality is that this new service appears to be more of a bonus for Premium subscribers with the intention of increasing the number of service subscribers than a bid to attract hardcore gamers, at least for now.