Google announces new features for game developers at GDC 2014

New game categories go live in Google Play this week

With Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2014 opening today, Google is announcing a host of new features for the Android game developers. These features include game gifts, Play Games Unity Plug-in, enhanced Play Games statistics, and a preview of Play Games C++ SDK.

Here is a quick look at these upcoming features:

Game Gifts: A service that allows players to send virtual in-game objects to anyone in their circles or through player search

Multiplayer invites in Play Games app: Direct support in the app

Play Games Unity Plug-in: To support cross-platform multiplayer services

Play Games C++ SDK: Early version of Play Games C++ SDK to support achievements and leaderboards.

Enhanced Play Games statistics: Easy game analytics for Play Games adopters – daily active users, retention analysis and achievement, and leaderboard performance

The company on Monday wrote on Android Developers blog that the new features will go live on March 18 and will be demoed over the coming week at GDC 2014. In addition, Google has also revealed that the already announced new game categories will go live in Google Play this week.