YouTube is testing a new multiplayer feature as part of its Playables mini-games. The platform is experimenting with real-time multiplayer for select games. This will allow you to play with others directly within the YouTube app or website.
YouTube multiplayer mode starts with Ludo Club and Magic Tiles 3
As of now, the new multiplayer mode is live for two games: Ludo Club and Magic Tiles 3 on desktop and mobile devices. In Ludo Club, you can play a digital version of the classic board game Ludo. You can play with friends or other users around the world, with chat and customizable game settings. In Magic Tiles 3, you have to tap falling tiles to match a song’s rhythm, like playing a musical instrument.
YouTube expanded Playables to all users in May 2024. Playables is a collection of games you can play on the video streaming service without downloading. Playables were first introduced in November 2023 with 30 arcade games and were available only to YouTube Premium users in select regions until March 28. Now it’s available to all users, with no premium required.
It’s available in select regions including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. To access Playables on YouTube via PC, visit YouTube.com. Look at the menu on the left side and scroll down. You’ll see Playables under the Explore section – just click on it. If you’re using your phone, open the YouTube app. Tap the compass icon in the top-left corner. Scroll down the list and tap on Playables.
Why multiplayer gaming?
Playables has over 130 games across categories like Racing, Action, Arcade, Trivia & Word, Simulation, Brain & Puzzle, and Sports. YouTube is making gaming on the platform more interactive.
Playables was initially a small experiment with a few users. Over time it was rolled out to all YouTube users. But multiplayer is still in testing and only available for Ludo Club and Magic Tiles 3.
The reason they’re testing multiplayer is to diversify the platform and give users more ways to interact. With this feature, you can connect with friends or other gamers directly on YouTube and have a new social gaming experience.
Multiplayer on Playables could also lead to future innovations on YouTube’s gaming side. YouTube will add multiplayer to more games in the future.
YouTube is still in the early stages of testing multiplayer mode, so you may experience some bugs. For now, you can try it out in supported regions and give feedback to help improve the experience.