Google Silently Launches ‘Instant Games’ App Featuring YouTube Playables and HTML5 Titles

Image: Google Launches ‘Instant Games’ App

Google has quietly rolled out a new standalone app called Instant Games, offering users quick access to a curated collection of HTML5-based casual games.

The app acts as a central hub for YouTube Playables, which have been available through the YouTube mobile app since 2023.

Instant Games features titles like Om Nom Run by Zeptolab, Stack Bounce and Crazy Caves by GameSnacks, as well as classics from Famobi including Chess Classic, 8 Ball Billiards Classic, and Cannon Balls 3D.

Despite the global listing, the app hasn’t launched everywhere. As per Mobilegamer, Instant Games is currently accessible in 44 regions, mostly across Latin America, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Southeast Asia, and the United States. However, key markets such as most of Europe, China, and Hong Kong are notably excluded from the initial release.

While Google hasn’t officially promoted the app or issued a press release, its Play Store description keeps things short and sweet. It reads: “a collection of fun and challenging H5 games that you can play anytime, anywhere.” Interestingly, the included screenshots hint at offline play capabilities, suggesting users can enjoy games without a constant internet connection.

The app appears to be an expansion of Google’s broader push into lightweight gaming experiences. Alongside the already accessible Playables on YouTube, this standalone app also showcases popular hypercasual titles such as Tall Man Run, Attack Hole, Bridge Race, and Tomb of the Mask. Even major franchises like Crossy Road, Hill Climb Racing, Jetpack Joyride, 8 Ball Pool, and Cut The Rope have made their way into this simplified, tap-to-play format.

Notably, the launch of Instant Games follows Apple’s recent unveiling of its own Games app at WWDC earlier this month. Apple’s upcoming app aims to unify game libraries, social features, and Arcade titles in a pre-installed format.

For now, Google seems to be playing it low-key with Instant Games, letting curious users discover it organically. Whether this soft launch is a prelude to a broader strategy or just a quiet experiment remains to be seen.