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The Google Play Awards are returning to Google I/O

Posted by Purnima Kochikar, Director, Apps and Games Business Development, Google Play


Drum roll please! The Google Play Awards are back again this year and will take place Thursday, May 18th at 6:30pm (Pacific Time) during Google I/O, our annual developer festival.

The annual ceremony is a great opportunity for the industry to recognize outstanding developers that continue to set the bar for quality apps and games showing a passion for driving innovation and adoption of new platforms and user experiences.

This year we'll be honoring partners across 12 award categories, some familiar and some new. Nominees were selected much like last year by cross-functional teams throughout Google who work hand-in-hand with the relevant categories and product areas. While category specific criteria can be found below, the common requirements across all categories focused on high star rating, technical performance and freshness, requiring a launch or major update since April 2016. The winners of each category will be announced at Google I/O in May.

The full list of categories and nominees are below and can also be found at g.co/play/GPA2017:

Standout Indie


Games from indie developers that focus on artistic design, gameplay mechanics and overall polish. And the nominees are…… 


Standout Startup


Apps from new developers that offer a unique experience while achieving strong organic install growth. And the nominees are……


Best Android Wear Experience


New wear 2.0 apps offering great design, user delight and functionality. And the nominees are…


Best TV Experience


Apps or games leveraging innovative features for the large-screen format while providing an immersive and intuitive experience. And the nominees are…


Best VR Experience


Highly engaging and immersive experience with optimal use of Daydream UI. And the nominees are…


Best AR Experience


Apps or games harnessing the creative and imaginative technology of AR. And the nominees are…


Best App for Kids


Apps or games with family friendly design that encourage creativity, exploration and education. And the nominees are…


Best Multiplayer Game


Games built to connect gamers in competitive and engaging multiplayer experiences. And the nominees are…



Best App


A true representation of beautiful design, intuitive UX and high user appeal. And the nominees are…


Best Game


Games with strong mechanics, stellar graphics and strong engagement and retention tactics. And the nominees are...


Best Accessibility Experience


Apps or games enabling device interaction in an innovative way that serves people with disabilities or special needs. And the nominees are…


Best Social Impact


Apps that creates meaningful social impact for a broad spectrum of people around the world. And the nominees are…


Join us live at the ceremony May 18th at 6:30 pm PDT at Google I/O or via the live stream to see who wins.


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