Google has announced its Google Play Best of 2025 list, highlighting top applications, games, and books. The list, released on the Play Store, celebrates developers and their contributions to the platform's success.
Top Picks in Apps and Games
The best app of 2025 is Focus Friend, developed by Hank Green, a focus timer that encourages mindfulness by rewarding users with virtual decorations. Meanwhile, Pokémon TCG Pocket has been named the best game, offering a digital reimagining of the classic card game.
Google also recognized multiple categories in apps and games, including multi-device, multiplayer, indie, story-driven, ongoing developments, Play Pass, and platform-specific awards.
Selected Books of 2025
Fiction highlights include "The Raven Scholar" by Antonia Hodgson and "Famous Last Words" by Gillian McAllister. Google also spotlighted "Promise Me Sunshine" by Cara Bastone, "The Emperor of Gladness" by Ocean Vuong, and "Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zheng" by Kylie Lee Baker.
In nonfiction, noteworthy titles are "This American Woman" by Zarna Garg, "The Ambition Trap" by Amina AlTai, and "Validation" by Caroline Fleck. For kids and teens, selections include "Wind Watchers" by Micha Archer and "Very Bad at Math" by Hope Larson.
Boosting Developer Success
Google states that Play’s success hinges on developers' innovations, fueling the platform's growth. They are enhancing the Play Store by increasing rewards and streamlining content funding. This effort aims to unify the gaming experience and support content creators.
