Android Police

Google is apparently beefing up gaming's presence on the Android platform.

The Web giant is pushing out a massive update to make games on the mobile platform more social, according to documents reviewed by the Android Police on Saturday. Tapping the Google+ social network, Google Play Services will sport multiplayer functionality, leaderboards, and cloud syncing, according to the prerelease version (v3.1.36) of the APK.

In addition to streamlining game development, the platform's social sharing capability is expected to make games more viral, perhaps attracting new users who play longer. The new service isn't yet fully functional, leading Android Police to suggest another update or central Play games client may be in the offing as well.

The alternative to Apple's Game Center could make its official debut at this week's Google I/O developers conference. CNET has contacted Google for comment and will update this report when we learn more.

Rumors that Google was getting ready to try out the gaming waters heated up earlier this month with Google's hiring of a chief game designer under the title "Chief Game Designer at Android Play Studio."