Google+ and android games

[mystvearn]

Hi,

I've recently played few games where it asks for google+ account. I don't have the account and choose not to have it at all. Most of the time, I skip the games. However, I noticed that somewhere it mentions that adding a google+account will allow you to backup the games. Is this true? Can I not just use a normal backup software and get that over with?

Example of games that wants accounts.
Google+: clash of clans
Google+ and/or FB: Assassins creed pirates.

Thanks

 

[El Presidente]

A normal backup app (Helium or Titanium etc) will work fine.

But yeah, if a game has G+ integration, it should backup progress and save files to the cloud so that when you log in from another device or reset your current one, it will restore your saves.

 

[mystvearn]

A normal backup app (Helium or Titanium etc) will work fine.

But yeah, if a game has G+ integration, it should backup progress and save files to the cloud so that when you log in from another device or reset your current one, it will restore your saves.

So, if I want to play the same game from the Note 3 to a tablet, easiest way is to use google+? However I've seen how G+ takes everything into the cloud, including photos which I take. I dont want or need another facebook.

 

[El Presidente]

It does, yeah but you get the option to turn all that stuff off during initial setup.

 

[mystvearn]

So should I get G+ then? Or is it not worth it?

 

[codesplice]

So should I get G+ then? Or is it not worth it?

That's a call that you're going to have to make for yourself.

Personally, G+ is my social network of choice, so I'm quite happy to let games integrate with that for earning achievements, competing with friends, and backing up / restoring progress when I play on different devices. As El P mentioned, you can disable the autobackup function if you like.

 

[nyydynasty]

I'll +1 the G+ integration. If an app allows it, I prefer to set it up that way. Restoring progress is definitely a necessity

 

[mystvearn]

I see. I've resisted registering G+ until now. However I do use other google services.

 

[Snakehead]

As someone working with a development studio, I'm curious how many people actually make use of the G+ features. We've had some debate on the value of adding native support.

 

[El Presidente]

As someone working with a development studio, I'm curious how many people actually make use of the G+ features. We've had some debate on the value of adding native support.

Welcome to AF!

I personally don't make use of the G+ features, but I'm rooted and use Titanium Backup to backup progress in games and apps etc.

I've no interest in the social side of it (leaderboards etc) and I generally hide progress in games so that no one else can see it.

I do like the achievements though.

It's probably worth noting that I think I'm probably an exception as opposed to the norm and from what I've seen in and around the forums, most would like to see more games with the G+ backup features. Does implementing it add much time to development? Is it much extra work?

@codesplice does a lot more mobile gaming than I do (or so it seems ), so he'd probably be in a better position to say whether or not the features are useful.

 

[codesplice]

It's probably worth noting that I think I'm probably an exception as opposed to the norm and from what I've seen in and around the forums, most would like to see more games with the G+ backup features.

Yep. I think the G+ integration can improve the gaming experience - whether just by making it easier to pick up a game where you left off on another device or competing head-to-head or on a leaderboard with your friends.

So yeah, I'm all for it.