While Mobile World Congress is happening in Barcelona this week, there is also another important event going on at the same time. The Game Developers Conference (GDC) is taking place at the Moscone Center in San Francisco.
Today is Google’s Developer Day and they just unveiled a few new features for Google Play Games and AdMob.
The Nearby Connections API will allow smartphones and tablets to seamlessly connect as second-screen controls to a game running on Android TV. They announced Beach Buggy Racing as one game that will utilize this new API in their summer release.
Google Cardboard was given to last year’s Google I/O attendees and we have already seen some cool apps along with hardware inspired by it such as the LG VR and the new ViewMaster. The Cardboard SDK for Android and Unity will make it easy for developers to build VR apps or add the necessary code to existing apps to make them VR compatible.
Now when it comes to game development, game content and optimization is obviously important, but let’s not forget about revenue. Google announced three updates to the AdMob platform. Native Ads (limited beta) will allow developers to customize ads to match the visual design in their game. In-App Purchase House Ads Beta will show those users that are more likely to spend on in-app purchases a customized text or display ad. Finally, Audience Builder allows developers to create lists of audiences based on how they use their game, then create customized experiences to grow app revenue.
All of these updates should appear over the next few weeks and some will require an update to Google Play Services.
source: Android Developers
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