YouTube’s New Playables: Cloud Gaming for (Some) Premium Subscribers Now Available

YouTube, the go-to platform for entertainment on Android devices, has taken an exciting leap into cloud gaming. Premium subscribers can now enjoy a collection of bite-sized cloud games called “Playables.” These games bring back the nostalgia of old Flash games with their simple graphics and physics. Available until March 28, Playables are a novel addition to the YouTube experience.

Let’s take a look at what they are and how to try them out for yourself, shall we?

Playables: A Taste of Cloud Gaming

Playables on YouTube are powered by GameSnacks, offering users the opportunity to play HTML5 arcade games without the hassle of downloading or installing any apps. These games are reminiscent of the classic 2D flash games from yesteryears that many of us grew up playing. With simple graphics and straightforward gameplay, they are a delightful departure from the complexity of modern gaming.

How to Access Playables

YouTube has chosen its platform wisely for the Playables debut. As one of the most popular entertainment apps on Android, YouTube’s accessibility plays a significant role in its widespread use. Now, Premium subscribers have the privilege of trying them out for a limited time.

To access Playables, Premium subscribers can enable the feature through the Experiments page on YouTube. Once activated, Playables will appear in the Explore tab of the YouTube app. For web users, they can be found here. With a total of 37 titles currently available, users can explore this collection under the Browse tab, with six recommendations highlighted in the Playables Home tab.

No Downloads, No Hassle

The beauty here lies in their simplicity and accessibility. Users don’t need to download anything or install any apps. These games are powered by GameSnacks, a Google service that creates HTML5 arcade games that can be enjoyed even with a sluggish internet connection.

Several titles are directly borrowed from GameSnacks’ library, including classics like “Angry Birds Showdown,” “8 Ball Billiards Classic,” “Daily Solitaire,” and “Scooter Xtreme.”

Smooth Gameplay, Even on Slow Connections

I took “Scooter Xtreme” for a spin and was pleasantly surprised. The games run smoothly and efficiently, even on a slow internet connection. Loading is swift, and there’s a shelf that neatly organizes all the titles you’ve played, making it easy to pick up where you left off. However, it’s worth noting that the game’s graphics didn’t scale perfectly to fit our display, with some elements cut off at the vertical edges.

YouTube’s Strategy with Playables

One might wonder why YouTube, a platform already adored by a vast audience for user-uploaded videos and Shorts content, would introduce Playables. While it may seem like a surprising move, there are some theories. This could be a remedy for boredom, providing users with a new way to engage with the platform. Additionally, it may serve as a way to showcase GameSnacks’ extensive catalog.

The fact that this is available as an experimental feature for Premium users, accompanied by YouTube’s notifications to make them more visible, suggests a promising future. It’s possible that the library of games will continue to grow, eventually allowing everyone to enjoy the Playables.

In the meantime, Premium subscribers can dive into this nostalgic gaming experience and discover the simple joy of cloud gaming with Playables on YouTube.

Do you have access to Playables on YouTube yet? Let me know what you think of them in the comments!

Note: Playables are available until March 28, so be sure to check them out while they last.

Tony Simons

Tony has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Phoenix and over 11 years of writing experience between multiple publications in the tech, photography, lifestyle, and deal industries.