Android Developers Blog • Mar 11, 2026

Level Up: Test Sidekick and Prepare for Upcoming Program Milestones

Article Summary

Maru Ahues Bouza from Google Play reveals how 600 million monthly gamers are now using Play Games Services, with Level Up features driving 2.5 billion incremental game installs in 2025 alone.

Google is expanding its Play Games Level Up program with new tools and requirements for Android game developers. The program aims to improve player experience while giving developers better promotional opportunities and engagement tools. New features include Play Games Sidekick, an AI-powered in-game overlay, and enhanced Play Console analytics.

Key Takeaways

Play Games Sidekick debuts in 90+ games with AI-generated tips and rewards overlay
Level Up features drove 25% average install uplift during featuring windows in 2025
New pre-reg device breakdowns show RAM, SoC, and Android version distribution
July 2026 deadline: integrate Sidekick and achievements to maintain Level Up benefits
November 2026: cloud save required for program participation and lower service fees

Critical Insight

Game developers must integrate Sidekick and achievements by July 2026 to maintain access to Play Points offers, expanded APK limits, and high-visibility promotional surfaces reaching 160 million monthly active users.

The article hints at an expanded Level Up program with new requirements that unlock additional benefits like lower service fees, with full details coming in the next few months.

About This Article

Problem

Game developers lacked visibility into their pre-registered player base when making launch decisions. They couldn't see device-level data like Android versions, RAM, and SoC specifications, which directly affect performance requirements and how they should spend their marketing budget.

Solution

Google Play Console added device breakdowns for pre-registered players. Developers can now see how their waiting audience breaks down by Android version, RAM, and SoC, letting them optimize game performance and set minimum specs accordingly.

Impact

Developers can spot potential launch-day problems and tune performance for the players waiting to download their game. This reduces guesswork in how to allocate resources and lets them make informed decisions before release.