Google Play Store to add new game categories in February 2014

Play Store gamers take note as Google plans to introduce a whole slew of new game categories to the Play Store in February of next year. The new categories began appearing for developers yesterday, however changes will not take place until the new categories go live for the public next year.

What’s changing in December 2013?

Starting December 9th 2013, developers with apps that use the Application Type “Games” can choose an additional category for their app from the New Category field in their app’s Store Listing. This will not change the category of your game on Google Play until February 2014.

Why do I have to set a new category on my game’s Store Listing?

In February 2014, Google Play game categories will be expanded to cover a greater variety of games when listed in the Google Play Store. The New Category you select today will become your game’s category in the Google Play Store when the new categories are live.

The current categories of Arcade and Action, Brain & Puzzle, Cards & Casino, Casual, Racing and Sports Games will be replaced with 17 new categories in total. While the reasoning for the change isn’t directly known, the new categories will better mirror alternatives like the iOS app store which already has a wide selection of gaming categories. These changes feel both welcome and anticipated as tablet and smartphone gaming continue to grow better requiring better organization inside the Play Store.

via Reddit