# Android Games Now Available for Car Screens

Developers can publish games for Android Auto and Android Automotive OS.

- **Source:** [Android Developers Blog](https://brifing.si/source/ff016576-5a92-405e-aa5a-2a07e0fb093f)
- **Published:** 2026-09-21
- **Original article:** <http://android-developers.googleblog.com/2026/09/bring-android-game-to-car-screen.html>
- **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/fd445e9b-698c-4e8e-9a40-bdd9ebbc698f

## Games category graduates to GA

The games category for Android Auto and Android Automotive OS has moved from beta to general availability. Developers can now publish games to Google Play's open testing and production tracks. Early access partners have already introduced games for the parked-only experience. Users can access these games during natural downtime, such as waiting at charging stations.

## Manifest configuration for games

To distribute an app as a game, developers must declare its category in the manifest file by adding android:appCategory="game". For Android Auto support, include the CAR_LAUNCHER category in the intent filter. For Android Automotive OS, add the android.hardware.type.automotive uses-feature element. The required attribute varies based on the distribution track chosen.

## Parked state requirements

Games must respect the vehicle's parked state and cannot run while driving. Activities are blocked when the vehicle is in motion or UX restrictions are active. Games must stop audio when driving starts and cannot be unpaused while moving. The app must restore its previous state when relaunched from the home screen.

## Game controller support

Car screens support touch input, but many users prefer gamepads. Developers can declare android.hardware.gamepad in the manifest to boost visibility for controller-compatible games. The required attribute should be set to false unless the game mandates a controller. This helps users find games that match their preferred input method.

## Adaptive screen design

Car displays vary in shape and aspect ratio, including portrait and wide landscape screens. Games must adapt to different sizes without letterboxing or pillarboxing. Developers should test against canonical screen sizes for Android Auto and use bundled hardware profiles for Android Automotive OS emulator testing to ensure full-screen compatibility.

## Publishing process

After implementing changes, developers can opt in to Android Auto and Android Automotive OS form factors in the Google Play Console. Games must be tested against car app quality guidelines before submission. The Desktop Head Unit tests Android Auto compatibility, while the Android Automotive OS emulator tests the OS experience.

## Quality review

Games undergo review against car app quality guidelines before approval for open testing or production. The review ensures compliance with driver distraction guidelines and technical requirements. Developers must avoid including the distractionOptimized metadata element in any activity to meet safety standards and ensure smooth gameplay.

## Opportunity for developers

With general availability, optimizing games for cars presents a new distribution channel. Games can reach users during idle moments in vehicles, expanding engagement opportunities. Developers should focus on adaptive design, controller support, and strict adherence to parked state requirements to create seamless in-car gaming experiences.

## Sources covering this story

- http://android-developers.googleblog.com/2026/09/bring-android-game-to-car-screen.html — 

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_Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._