Skip to main content

Google Play Games 5.14 adds dark theme, app shortcuts, and more

Earlier today, Google Discover began rolling out a dark theme to the Pixel Launcher feed. Google Play Games is now the latest app to get an alternative to the stark white appearance of the Google Material Theme. Version 5.14 also adds app shortcuts and other visual tweaks.

The changelog (via Android Police) for Google Play Games 5.14 starts off by noting the Android app’s new dark theme. Accessible by heading into Settings from the overflow menu in the top-right corner, “Dark theme” appears as the last item in the list of toggles. If it doesn’t appear after updating, try closing Play Games from the Recents menu and reopening.

Like in other apps, the bright background switches to a dark gray. The green accent associated with Play Games is tweaked for the dark mode and ever so slightly brighter compared to the normal view. This particular theme does not support automatic switching depending on the time of day.

This update also introduces app shortcuts that allow users to create homescreen icons for games, ideally the built-in ones. It is also useful when holding down the Play Games icon to get a list of your four most recent games without opening the app. However, for other installed games, this is slightly odd since you can just use the real app icon.

The last tweaks add animated app icons for built-in games, and allow achievement sorting by rarity. Google Play Games 5.14 has widely rolled out to the Play Store, with the full changelog below:

  • Come to the dark side. Head over to Settings and flip the switch on our new dark theme.
  • Sort your achievements by rarity (bragging rights automatically included)
  • Short on time? Touch & hold the Play Games icon and get to your recent games lightning fast.

Check out 9to5Google on YouTube for more news:

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Google — experts who break news about Google and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Google on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Comments

Author

Avatar for Abner Li Abner Li

Editor-in-chief. Interested in the minutiae of Google and Alphabet. Tips/talk: abner@9to5g.com