Google Nominated 10 Games for the 2017 Google Play Awards (and 50 Other Apps across 12 Categories)
Compared to last year’s first-ever Google Play Awards, the number of nominated apps and award categories has gone up – 60 apps across 12 categories have been nominated this 2017, compared to just 50 apps across 10 award categories a year ago.
Just like last year, 5 games have been nominated for the Best Game category. But unlike last year, 5 more games have been nominated for the brand new Best Multiplayer Game category. Let’s take closer look at the 10 games that Google nominated for the 2017 Google Play Awards, shall we?
Google Play Awards 2017 – Best Game Nominations
Out of all the mobile games that are available for Android, Google focused on a handful of titles that have "strong mechanics, stellar graphics and strong engagement and retention tactics." The 5 games that Google nominated for the Best Game category are...
1. Choices: Stories You Play
"One choice can change everything" – that is the tagline developer Pixelberry Studios chose for this Android and iOS game that asks you to choose what happens next and where the story goes. The game features three main stories, each with its unique setting and appeal. The Freshman story lets you play as a student at the Hartfeld University, dress to impress, and fall in love. The Crown & The Flame story takes you on a fantasy adventure where you get to build an army, master unique weapons, and crush your enemies in battle. And the Most Wanted story lets you play detective and investigate a mystery.
Choices: Stories You Play is available for free (with in-app purchases) on Google Play and Apple’s App Store.
2. Fire Emblem Heroes
There was a time when Nintendo focused solely on its own platforms and couldn’t care less about mobile platforms like Android or iOS. Things have changed though, and Nintendo currently has a grand total of 3 smartphone apps to offer. One of those apps is Fire Emblem Heroes, which is based on the Fire Emblem tactical role-playing video game franchise – obviously.
Fire Emblem Heroes is a strategy roleplaying game about two warring kingdoms: the Emblian Empire, which wishes to rule all worlds, and the Askran Kingdom, which stands in its way. You play as a summoner who can call upon popular Fire Emblem heroes from worlds that span the breadth of the series, and you get to wage tactical battles streamlined for on-the-go play and level up a mix of new combatants and legendary heroes.
Fire Emblem Heroes is available for free (with in-app purchases) on Google Play and Apple’s App Store.
3. Lineage II Revolution
Released in its native South Korea back in December 2016, this 3D MMORPG has yet to be released worldwide. Perhaps that’s why the game is listed among the Best Game nominations on the Android Developers blog but missing from the Best Game nominations on Google Play.
Check out the Lineage II Revolution page on Google Play.
4. Pokémon Go
Seeing that Niantic’s Pokémon Go has been downloaded more than 650 million times, that it was one of the most used and most profitable apps of 2016, and that it turned into a global phenomenon, do I really need to tell you what this app is all about? I guess I do, but only because I want to be thorough. The quick explanation is this: it’s a mobile app that asks you to go hunting for Pokémon outside, in the real world.
Pokémon Go is available for free (with in-app purchases) on Google Play and Apple’s App Store.
5. TRANSFORMERS: Forged to Fight
Enter the Transformers universe and join the battle for supremacy alongside Optimus Prime, Megatron, Bumblebee, Waspinator, Rhinox, Grimlock, Soundwave and many more of your favorite bots. Collect iconic bots, battle other players, team up with friends to forge alliances, build and defend your base, and deploy teams to score useful loot.
TRANSFORMERS: Forged to Fight is available for free (with in-app purchases) on Google Play and Apple’s App Store.
That's it! Those are the 5 mobile games that received a Best Game nomination for the upcoming Google Play Awards 2017, will take place Thursday, May 18th at 6:30PM (Pacific Time) during Google I/O.
Moving on...
Google Play Awards 2017 – Best Multiplayer Game Nominations
For this award category, Google focused on titles "built to connect gamers in competitive and engaging multiplayer experiences." The 5 games that Google nominated for the Best Multiplayer Game category are...
1. Dawn of Titans
Dawn of Titans, NaturalMotion’s action strategy game for mobile, asks you to enter a high fantasy world and lead Titans into epic battles against thousands of soldiers. The game looks great, it lets you build your kingdom, and features exciting battles where you get to lead your troops and capture enemy lands.
Dawn of Titans is available for free (with in-app purchases) on Google Play and Apple’s App Store.
2. FIFA Mobile Soccer
Can’t get enough FIFA 17 and you feel the need to keep on playing even when you’re away from your PC or console? That’s where FIFA Mobile Soccer comes in. Available for Android and iOS, it features over 30 leagues, 650 real teams, 17,000 real players, and the authentic FIFA experience you’re craving for.
FIFA Mobile Soccer is available for free (with in-app purchases) on Google Play, Apple’s App Store, and Microsoft’s Store.
3. Hearthstone
Hearthstone (originally Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft) is Blizzard’s internationally acclaimed title, a fast-paced strategy card game that has more than 50 million registered players. The game is so popular that it’s become an eSport, giving skilled players the chance to win considerable cash prizes by taking part in tournaments hosted by Blizzard and others.
Hearthstone is available for free (with in-app purchases) on Google Play and Apple’s App Store. Hearthstone is also available for PC and Mac.
4. Lords Mobile
This real-time strategy title from ICG features all the elements you’d expect from a game of this type: build your empire, collect exotic heroes, train your troops, join a guild, slay monsters, find treasures, and battle your way to the top – PvP battles with other Lords Mobile players. Speaking of which, it's worth mentioning that more than 35 million people around the world are playing this game.
Lords Mobile is available for free (with in-app purchases) on Google Play and Apple’s App Store.
5. Modern Strike Online
This is the only title on the list that isn’t available for both Android and iOS. Furthermore, it is the only first person shooter video game on the list. Reminiscent of Counter-Strike, this game features 11 maps, 6 combat modes, 30 types of weapons, and exciting multiplayer shoot 'em up action.
Modern Strike Online is available for free (with in-app purchases) on Google Play.
More Google Play Awards 2017 Nominations
In all, Google nominated a total of 60 apps across 12 different award categories for the Google Play Awards 2017, the annual ceremony that recognizes outstanding developers and games. You can check out all the nominations on the Android Developers blog and on Google Play. The winners will be announced at Google I/O, the annual developer conference which will take places in San Francisco between May 17 and May 20.
Just like last year, 5 games have been nominated for the Best Game category. But unlike last year, 5 more games have been nominated for the brand new Best Multiplayer Game category. Let’s take closer look at the 10 games that Google nominated for the 2017 Google Play Awards, shall we?
Google Play Awards 2017 – Best Game Nominations
Out of all the mobile games that are available for Android, Google focused on a handful of titles that have "strong mechanics, stellar graphics and strong engagement and retention tactics." The 5 games that Google nominated for the Best Game category are...
1. Choices: Stories You Play
"One choice can change everything" – that is the tagline developer Pixelberry Studios chose for this Android and iOS game that asks you to choose what happens next and where the story goes. The game features three main stories, each with its unique setting and appeal. The Freshman story lets you play as a student at the Hartfeld University, dress to impress, and fall in love. The Crown & The Flame story takes you on a fantasy adventure where you get to build an army, master unique weapons, and crush your enemies in battle. And the Most Wanted story lets you play detective and investigate a mystery.
Choices: Stories You Play is available for free (with in-app purchases) on Google Play and Apple’s App Store.
2. Fire Emblem Heroes
There was a time when Nintendo focused solely on its own platforms and couldn’t care less about mobile platforms like Android or iOS. Things have changed though, and Nintendo currently has a grand total of 3 smartphone apps to offer. One of those apps is Fire Emblem Heroes, which is based on the Fire Emblem tactical role-playing video game franchise – obviously.
Fire Emblem Heroes is a strategy roleplaying game about two warring kingdoms: the Emblian Empire, which wishes to rule all worlds, and the Askran Kingdom, which stands in its way. You play as a summoner who can call upon popular Fire Emblem heroes from worlds that span the breadth of the series, and you get to wage tactical battles streamlined for on-the-go play and level up a mix of new combatants and legendary heroes.
Fire Emblem Heroes is available for free (with in-app purchases) on Google Play and Apple’s App Store.
3. Lineage II Revolution
Released in its native South Korea back in December 2016, this 3D MMORPG has yet to be released worldwide. Perhaps that’s why the game is listed among the Best Game nominations on the Android Developers blog but missing from the Best Game nominations on Google Play.
Check out the Lineage II Revolution page on Google Play.
4. Pokémon Go
Seeing that Niantic’s Pokémon Go has been downloaded more than 650 million times, that it was one of the most used and most profitable apps of 2016, and that it turned into a global phenomenon, do I really need to tell you what this app is all about? I guess I do, but only because I want to be thorough. The quick explanation is this: it’s a mobile app that asks you to go hunting for Pokémon outside, in the real world.
Pokémon Go is available for free (with in-app purchases) on Google Play and Apple’s App Store.
5. TRANSFORMERS: Forged to Fight
Enter the Transformers universe and join the battle for supremacy alongside Optimus Prime, Megatron, Bumblebee, Waspinator, Rhinox, Grimlock, Soundwave and many more of your favorite bots. Collect iconic bots, battle other players, team up with friends to forge alliances, build and defend your base, and deploy teams to score useful loot.
TRANSFORMERS: Forged to Fight is available for free (with in-app purchases) on Google Play and Apple’s App Store.
That's it! Those are the 5 mobile games that received a Best Game nomination for the upcoming Google Play Awards 2017, will take place Thursday, May 18th at 6:30PM (Pacific Time) during Google I/O.
Moving on...
Google Play Awards 2017 – Best Multiplayer Game Nominations
For this award category, Google focused on titles "built to connect gamers in competitive and engaging multiplayer experiences." The 5 games that Google nominated for the Best Multiplayer Game category are...
1. Dawn of Titans
Dawn of Titans, NaturalMotion’s action strategy game for mobile, asks you to enter a high fantasy world and lead Titans into epic battles against thousands of soldiers. The game looks great, it lets you build your kingdom, and features exciting battles where you get to lead your troops and capture enemy lands.
Dawn of Titans is available for free (with in-app purchases) on Google Play and Apple’s App Store.
2. FIFA Mobile Soccer
Can’t get enough FIFA 17 and you feel the need to keep on playing even when you’re away from your PC or console? That’s where FIFA Mobile Soccer comes in. Available for Android and iOS, it features over 30 leagues, 650 real teams, 17,000 real players, and the authentic FIFA experience you’re craving for.
FIFA Mobile Soccer is available for free (with in-app purchases) on Google Play, Apple’s App Store, and Microsoft’s Store.
3. Hearthstone
Hearthstone (originally Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft) is Blizzard’s internationally acclaimed title, a fast-paced strategy card game that has more than 50 million registered players. The game is so popular that it’s become an eSport, giving skilled players the chance to win considerable cash prizes by taking part in tournaments hosted by Blizzard and others.
Hearthstone is available for free (with in-app purchases) on Google Play and Apple’s App Store. Hearthstone is also available for PC and Mac.
4. Lords Mobile
This real-time strategy title from ICG features all the elements you’d expect from a game of this type: build your empire, collect exotic heroes, train your troops, join a guild, slay monsters, find treasures, and battle your way to the top – PvP battles with other Lords Mobile players. Speaking of which, it's worth mentioning that more than 35 million people around the world are playing this game.
Lords Mobile is available for free (with in-app purchases) on Google Play and Apple’s App Store.
5. Modern Strike Online
This is the only title on the list that isn’t available for both Android and iOS. Furthermore, it is the only first person shooter video game on the list. Reminiscent of Counter-Strike, this game features 11 maps, 6 combat modes, 30 types of weapons, and exciting multiplayer shoot 'em up action.
Modern Strike Online is available for free (with in-app purchases) on Google Play.
More Google Play Awards 2017 Nominations
In all, Google nominated a total of 60 apps across 12 different award categories for the Google Play Awards 2017, the annual ceremony that recognizes outstanding developers and games. You can check out all the nominations on the Android Developers blog and on Google Play. The winners will be announced at Google I/O, the annual developer conference which will take places in San Francisco between May 17 and May 20.
