Google Adopts Vulkan as Android’s Official Graphics API for Enhanced Performance

Exciting Developments from GDC

This year’s Game Developers Conference (GDC) is buzzing with energy, and we’re thrilled to share some exciting news about our multiplatform gaming products. We’re not just talking about more games; we’re talking about more ways to play and improved gameplay experiences across all your devices. If you want the full scoop, head over to The Keyword, but let’s dive into what’s new for Android users right here.

Vulkan: The New Standard for Graphics on Android

Let’s talk visuals. In today’s gaming landscape, stunning graphics are a must. That’s why we’re making Vulkan the official graphics API for Android. This powerful API allows developers to tap into the full potential of modern GPUs, paving the way for breathtaking features like Ray Tracing and multithreading. Remember the jaw-dropping effects in Diablo Immortal? That was Vulkan at work, transforming the world of Sanctuary with explosive visuals and icy blasts.

But it’s not just about the big titles. Casual games like Pokémon TCG Pocket also benefit from Vulkan’s capabilities, ensuring that every player enjoys a vibrant and smooth gaming experience. And here’s the kicker: with our next Android release, more devices will be able to leverage Vulkan for all their graphics needs. If your game is still running on OpenGL, don’t worry! It’ll seamlessly transition using ANGLE, which translates OpenGL commands to Vulkan. We highly recommend testing your game on ANGLE now to ensure a smooth transition.

We’re also collaborating with major game engines to make Vulkan integration a breeze. For instance, Unity 6 allows you to configure Vulkan settings per device, while older versions can access this through plugins. With over 45% of new Unity games already using Vulkan, we expect that number to soar.

Smoother Gameplay with ADPF

Now, let’s chat about gameplay. The Android Dynamic Performance Framework (ADPF) is getting a major update, designed to give players longer, smoother gaming sessions. ADPF allows developers to adjust performance in real-time based on the device’s thermal state, ensuring that your gameplay remains stable across a variety of devices, including the Pixel 9 family and the Samsung S25 Series.

We’re particularly excited to see MMORPGs like Lineage W utilizing ADPF to optimize their performance. So, what’s new? First, our partnership with MediaTek has significantly boosted ADPF’s stability, allowing devices powered by their MAGT system-on-chip to fully harness these performance optimization features. Plus, major game engines now come with built-in ADPF support, making integration as easy as pie. For those who want more control, developers can customize ADPF behavior in real time.

Enhancements in Play Console

Once your game is live, the work doesn’t stop. The Play Console is your go-to hub for monitoring and improving your game’s performance. We’re excited to introduce Low Memory Killers (LMK) in Android vitals, giving you insights into memory constraints that could lead to crashes. This tool is invaluable for keeping an eye on metrics that affect your visibility on the Play Store, such as slow session times. You can easily track updates on your game’s user distribution and get notified about device-specific issues.

Bringing PC Games to Mobile

And here’s something to look forward to: we’re launching a pilot program aimed at simplifying the transition of PC games to mobile. This initiative supports developers from the initial Android game development phase all the way through publishing on Play. Starting this month, titles like DREDGE and TABS Mobile are expanding their reach to mobile audiences through this program. And yes, Disco Elysium is also on the horizon! If you’re interested in joining the PC to mobile program, now’s your chance.

As Matthew McCullough, our VP of Product Management for Android, puts it, we’re all about pushing the boundaries of gaming. So, buckle up—exciting times are ahead!

Background Information

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About MediaTek:

MediaTek Inc. is a Taiwanese semiconductor company that designs and manufactures a wide range of system-on-chip (SoC) solutions for various consumer electronics, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, wearables, and IoT (Internet of Things) devices. Founded in 1997, MediaTek has become a important player in the semiconductor industry, known for its innovative chipsets that offer a balance of performance, power efficiency, and affordability.

  

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About Samsung:

Samsung, a South Korean multinational conglomerate, has established itself as a global leader in various industries, including electronics, technology, and more. Founded in 1938, Samsung's influence spans from smartphones and consumer electronics to semiconductors and home appliances. With a commitment to innovation, Samsung has contributed products like the Galaxy series of smartphones, QLED TVs, and SSDs that have revolutionized the way we live and work.

  

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Technology Explained

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OpenGL: OpenGL (Open Graphics Library) is a cross-platform application programming interface (API) for rendering 2D and 3D vector graphics. It is used in computer graphics, such as video games, virtual reality, and scientific visualization. OpenGL is used to create interactive 3D applications, such as video games, simulations, and virtual reality. It is also used in CAD (Computer Aided Design) software, such as AutoCAD, and in 3D animation software, such as Maya. OpenGL is widely used in the computer industry, as it is a powerful and efficient way to create interactive 3D applications. It is also used in the development of computer graphics hardware, such as GPUs (Graphics Processing Units). OpenGL is an important tool for developers, as it allows them to create high-quality graphics quickly and efficiently.

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Ray Tracing: Ray tracing is an advanced rendering technique used in computer graphics to simulate the way light interacts with objects in a virtual environment. It traces the path of light rays as they travel through a scene, calculating how they interact with surfaces, materials, and lighting sources. By simulating the complex behaviors of light, ray tracing produces highly realistic and accurate visual effects, including lifelike reflections, shadows, and refractions. This technology enhances the overall visual quality of images and animations by accurately replicating how light behaves in the real world, resulting in a more immersive and visually stunning digital experience.

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