In an attempt to move a step closer towards establishing a gaming platforms, YouTube has now updated Playables. The Playables is a game offering program from the video streaming platform for its mobile and PC. The initial testing for the offering started early this year in June.

User that have YouTube premium are the only ones that can access their game section. The primary goal of ‘Playables’ is to increase user interaction and retention for premium subscribers. However, the program will soon be made available to all the users, although they will see ads.

The games offered can be launched directly and does not require external install or application to run. This is done to keep people engaged on a single platform, be it mobile or PC site, according to India Today.

Even for testing, users can play multiple classic games across different genres. These include games across different categories like interactive, puzzle, adventure games, etc. Some notable titles in Playables include Angry Birds: Showdown, Brain Out, Daily Crossword, and Scooter Extreme.

The process to try out Playables on the YouTube app and website is also quite simple. Users will need to head over ‘Premium Benefits’ section and select “Try experimental new features”. Not all premium members, however, have received an invitation, as the program is still under testing.

Playables to compete with Meta and Prime Gaming

This new feature is similar to what Facebook (Meta) and Amazon Prime offer. With FB, free games are made available on the platform, whereas Prime Gaming offers in-game items every month to users.

With YouTube Playables, the Google-owned subsidiary might be planning to compete with its rivals. YouTube, in recent years, has also increased its push towards the casual gaming sector.

The ongoing testing for Playables is expected to run until March 28. While the full release date is still awaited, it is expected to launch in the first half of 2024.