If rumours are to be believed, YouTube is apparently searching for new ways to expand its offerings, and one of the ways it could potentially boost its advertising revenue is by getting a foothold in the online gaming sector.
The video streaming giant, which Google owns, has reportedly been inviting employees to try out an exciting new game-streaming product called Playables. Exactly how much of this is true remains to be seen, though.
Will I soon be able to play games on YouTube?
Yes! You will likely soon be able to play a range of games known as Playables on YouTube. It came to light after The Wall Street Journal (therefore a fairly credible source) managed to obtain an email discussing plans for a new game streaming platform on YouTube.
The video streaming giant already has a massive following with millions of daily users, and the people behind the scenes at YouTube may soon be bringing a gaming service to that extensive user base.
Google has already tried and failed with another game streaming service called Stadia, which looks like it could slightly resemble this.
Players may soon be able to access a wide range of games on YouTube instantly in their web browser from their smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer. They will also be able to play from within a free mobile app that will be compatible with iOS and Android smartphones and tablets.
Very few details about the new Playables product are available yet. However, the email did list the name of one potential game: Stack Bounce. YouTube aims to get a foothold in the gaming sector and add more services to its portfolio.
There is a lot of money to be made from advertising in the online gaming industry, and YouTube will be looking to take a share of the pie and recoup some of the losses from advertising revenue it has reported in recent times.
Can I play games now on YouTube?
Unlike the 2,500+ games you can enjoy playing today on the official Unibet online casino Canada website and the thousands of other high-end, more graphically demanding video games and social games you can play at numerous other dedicated online gaming sites, YouTube wanes in comparison. It’s non-existent.
However, not many people know that you can play a handful of immersive VR games on YouTube. They are best played using a VR headset or over a huge Smart TV with the lights switched off in your room.
The games last just a few minutes, and you can use your remote controller or in-game/video player controls to drag the screen in all directions (up, down, left and right) to get a taste of what VR games are like.
There are several free VR games you can play today on YouTube, and the main ones to keep an eye out for are the following:
- VR 360 Video of Top 5 Roller Coaster 4K (fun for all the family/all ages) – entertainment
- IT: FLOAT – A Cinematic VR Experience (not suitable for under 18s) – horror
- VR 360 Horror Jump Scare Video: the Hotel Horror Experience Part II (no under 18s) – horror
- 3D 360 VR skydiving experience with the Vuze camera (4K) (fun for all the family/all ages) – entertainment
There are many other similar games, but you should always check which kind of age range the VR game might be suitable for before playing it in a room full of people.
What are the most popular video games to play in 2023?
If you’re looking to play some of today’s biggest online video games from a PC or console, such as an Xbox Series S/X or PlayStation, then you may like to try Final Fantasy XVI, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, Resident Evil 4, Dead Space, Dredge, and Metroid Prime: Remastered.
If that’s not enough to keep you going, you also have Hogwarts Legacy, Diablo IV, Dead Island 2, Fire Emblem Engage, Pizza Tower, System Shock, Starfield, Alan Wake 2, Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, and Company of Heroes 3, to name just a few hit titles.