24-6-2023 (CALIFORNIA) YouTube, the video-sharing platform owned by Google, is reportedly testing a new product for playing online games, according to an email sent to employees. The Wall Street Journal revealed that Google had invited its staff to participate in the testing of the new YouTube product called ‘Playables’. The games available for testing include popular titles such as arcade game Stack Bounce.
Sources indicate that these games can be played on YouTube’s site via web browsers or through devices running Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS mobile systems. Despite repeated requests for comment, Google has not yet responded to the reports.
Hosting online games on YouTube could become a significant opportunity for the company, as it is already a popular platform for users to stream games and watch live-streamed game footage. The move is part of YouTube CEO Neal Mohan’s efforts to explore new areas of growth amid a slowdown in advertising spending, according to the WSJ report.
The new development comes as the global gaming industry is experiencing significant growth, with mobile gaming alone expected to generate more than $120 billion in revenue by the end of 2021. Platforms such as YouTube and Twitch have seen a surge in users during the COVID-19 pandemic, as more people spend time at home and seek out entertainment options online.
