Google announced a huge step forward for Android gaming synchronizing through Google Play Game Services during its keynote address at the sixth annual Google I/O conference in San Francisco.
Google Play Games will introduce cloud game saves, real-time multiplayer, leaderboards and achievements. Available now, the service will not only run on Android devices running at least Froyo, but web browsers and even iOS.
Cloud game saves will work across all devices meaning saving a game on one Android device will allow continuation of the same game save on another. Multiplayer will only work on Android devices and will eventually support voice chat for up to four-players. During the keynote, a multiplayer demonstration of Vector Unit's Riptide GP 2 didn't work so well due to connection issues.
Leaderboards will work through Google+'s Circles to see how one compares against friends other users.
Developers will have backend support for Game Services (unlike Apple's Game Center's standalone app) and won't be under any obligation to implement it.This news comes on the heals of Nvidia announcing its Android powered Shield portable gaming system that will be available in June for $350. The Nvidia Shield will host a 5-inch multi-touch screen with a console like controls.
