Google Labs launches AI game creation platform Playground

Google Labs has launched Playground, an experimental platform that lets users create browser-based games with text prompts. The company introduced the tool on Wednesday.

Users can choose a genre such as trivia or racing, start from scratch, select 2D or 3D and single-player or multiplayer, then describe the game’s mechanics, gameplay and visual style. They can also upload visuals for the platform’s AI to turn into game assets styled for the project.

Games can be played on mobile devices and computers. Creators can keep projects private, share them through a link or publish them in Playground’s Explore gallery. Published games can include features such as leaderboards, and creators can continue editing them after release.

Google said it plans to add Unity Spark integration in a future update. The integration could bring additional 3D capabilities and what Google described as “professional-level” game mechanics through Unity technology.

Playground is initially available to people aged 18 and older in the U.S., with Google planning expansion to other countries. Browsing and playing games is free. Generating games uses weekly tokens: the free tier has a limited number, while Google One AI subscribers receive higher usage limits.

The launch follows other AI-assisted game creation efforts, including Roblox’s Build feature, announced in July, which lets users create games with natural-language prompts. Google has also included games in other products, such as YouTube Playables, a hub for instantly playable web games.