Google Quietly Developing Gaming Startup Called ‘Arcade’

Internet search giant Google has reportedly been working on a new social gaming startup called “Arcade” quietly. It’s said to be part of the company’s efforts to nurture new startups under its umbrella. Michael Sayman is reportedly the founder and co-owner of Arcade. The 21-year-old joined Facebook as an intern when he was 17 and left the social networking giant to join Google just last year. Arcade’s first app is expected to arrive this summer and is likely going to have some elements of a trivia game.

A spokesperson for Google confirmed to Bloomberg that Arcade does exist and that it’s “focused on mobile gaming with friends.” The spokesperson didn’t provide any details on specific products or projects, though, just adding that “It’s a very early experiment so there aren’t many details to share right now.”

The report adds that Arcade is part of Area 120 which is a division where select Google employees are allowed to work on small startups that exist inside Google. One would expect mobile games in this day and age to have a social network tie-in but the report mentions that Arcade’s game won’t tie-in with any social network. Users will create accounts with their phone numbers.

It remains to be seen, though, when Google’s Arcade will announce its very first mobile game.

Adnan Farooqui
Categories: Gaming
Tags: Google