Google Play has revealed the winners of its Best of Play 2025 awards in India, highlighting apps and games that shaped the digital experience this year. The announcement on the official Google blog shows a strong push toward local storytelling, cultural relevance and the growing influence of artificial intelligence in India’s app ecosystem. Google notes that AI has become central to app usage in the country, with many users experiencing AI for the first time through mobile apps.
The platform says the 2025 winners reflect how developers are building for Indian preferences while supporting multi device use and next generation technology. At the same time, the awards underline Google’s confidence in India’s developer community and the country’s expanding digital economy.
This year’s selections place strong emphasis on deep localisation. Games such as CookieRun India: Running Game and Free Fire Max have earned recognition for integrating Indian characters, music and themes. Real Cricket Swipe, awarded Best Made in India Game, mirrors the country’s strong cricket culture. Kamala Horror Exorcism Escape, named Best Indie Game, brings a story set in rural India in the 1980s, showcasing how local narratives continue to grow in popularity.
AI driven features are visible across many winning apps. InVideo AI, the winner for Best for Personal Growth, allows users to create videos from simple text prompts. Toonsutra, which won Best Hidden Gem, uses an AI based cinematic mode to enhance Indian comics. Productivity apps such as Goodnotes and Luminar use AI to support note taking, editing and workflow efficiency across different screen sizes.
Google also highlights the rise of multi device and wearable first apps. Luminar offers smooth editing across phones, tablets and desktops. Daily Planner, the Best Everyday Essential, combines task management, journaling and mood tracking. SleepisolBio, chosen as Best for Watches, focuses on sleep and stress management through smartwatch based features.
Google’s new Top Trending category spotlights apps that grew rapidly this year. These include Instamart, reflecting the fast adoption of quick commerce, Seekho, which offers short learning videos, and Adobe Firefly, which shows the rise of generative AI in creative work.
The awards come as Google reports that the Android and Play ecosystem has supported over 3.5 million jobs in India and created more than four trillion rupees in economic value.
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