Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG)’s is removing the necessity of Google+ login whenever players are downloading or playing new games as well as the need for new players to create a Google+ account. New players will start using a player ID account while old players will maintain their Google+ account.
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The new concept is set to help reduce the sign-in friction and unnecessary permission request for players. Currently, for an Alphabet’s Android owner, it is required to have a Google+ account so that you can activate and play games in your account. A player is required to log into their account every time they load a game.
This will present a major advantage in onboarding new users and players in a simple fashion.
With the primary aim of respecting user’s privacy, Google will also change the way player IDs work. For existing player games will be using Google+ ID whenever they sign in. New players will be issued a player ID that is not the same as the previously used ID.
The new changes are set to be launched in 2016, but no definite date has been set. This move by Play Games follows other Google services, which have also parted ways with the use of Google+. This social network had more than 500 million users by 2012 though most of them had been forced into signing up since they wanted to user other Google services. Google+ has failed in establishing itself as a competitor to both Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) and Twitter Inc (NYSE:TWTR).
Gmail was one of the first services which ditched the integration of Google+ followed by YouTube in mid last year. Google also created a standalone photo app which has become quite popular. With the continued removal of the Google+, it’s future is uncertain but according to Googlers, in a TechCrunch interview they expect a bright future for the social network.They might be planning to use it for a new, different purpose.