YouTube has unveiled the expansion of its Playables feature to its entire user base on Tuesday, May 28. The Playables feature offers a selection of games that can be accessed directly on the video-streaming platform without the need for downloads. Initially launched in November 2023, Playables included 30 arcade-style games accessible only to YouTube Premium members in select regions until March 28. The latest update opens this feature up to all users, providing a range of free-to-play games without requiring a premium subscription.
YouTube Playables Rollout Begins
In a recent blog post, YouTube announced the broader rollout of Playables, describing it as “a collection of free games that you can play directly on the platform.” Now, users can explore approximately 75 titles available in the Playables section, extending the offering beyond the confines of having an active YouTube Premium account.
Despite the announcement, it seems that the rollout will occur gradually. Staff members at Gadgets 360 encountered difficulties accessing the Playables section, receiving an error message when attempting to visit the official URL. The Playables tab has yet to surface in the navigation menu on both the website and mobile applications for Android and iOS.
YouTube Playables: How to Start Gaming for Free
To access free games on YouTube, users can launch the app on either Android or iOS devices, or visit the YouTube website via a web browser. The Playables section can be found in the Explore menu. YouTube currently features a diverse selection of over 75 games, showcasing “lightweight, entertaining options” such as Angry Birds Showdown, Words of Wonders, Cut the Rope, Tomb of the Mask, and Trivia Crack.
YouTube joins a growing list of video-streaming services that have ventured into gaming. Netflix, for example, entered the gaming space in November 2021, marketing it as “a new way to experience entertainment on mobile.” Its gaming portfolio now includes titles like Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition, Stranger Things 3: The Game, and Football Manager 2024 Mobile.
YouTube Cracks Down on Ad Blockers
In other news, YouTube is reportedly taking measures against ad blockers. According to reports, utilizing an ad blocker will now cause videos to automatically skip to the end, preventing users from watching them. In instances where users find ways around this restriction, reports indicate that the audio will be muted.
This action is part of a “global effort” to combat ad blockers, as ads “support a diverse ecosystem of creators globally and allow billions to access their favourite content on YouTube,” stated Christopher Lawton, Communications Manager at YouTube, according to reports.
