Time to celebrate the 2018 Google Play Award nominees

Posted by Purnima Kochikar, Director, Apps and Games Business Development, Google Play

This year's Google Play Awards will take place on Monday, May 7th, kicking off the week of Google I/O. Celebrating our third year, we're excited to highlight nine categories; some you may recognize from previous years, along with new additions highlighting growth areas and trends we're focused on, such as building for emerging markets.

Each year, the Google Play Awards recognize top apps and games on Google Play. They represent some of the best experiences available on Android, with an emphasis on overall quality, strong design, technical performance, and innovation. The nominees were selected by various teams across Google, and all meet criteria thresholds covering high star rating, Android vitals, and have had a launch or major update since April 2017.

Congratulations to this year's nominees below and don't forget to check them out on the Google Play store at g.co/play/gpa2018.

Standout Well-Being App

Apps empowering people to live the best version of their lives, while demonstrating responsible design and engagement strategies

Clue by BioWink GmbH
Fabulous by TheFabulous
Headspace by Headspace, Inc.
Lifesum by Lifesum
Simple Habit by Simple Habit, Inc.

Best Accessibility Experience

Apps or games enabling device interaction in an innovative way that serves people with disabilities or special needs

Audio Game Hub by Sonnar Interactive
Be My Eyes by Be My Eyes
Open Sesame by Sesame Enable
Universal Copy by Camel Corporation
Voice Volume Catcher by LITALICO lnc.

Best Social Impact

Apps or games that create a positive impact in communities around the world (focused on health, education, crisis response, refugees, financial health & fundraising functions)

Forest by forestapp.cc
Khan Academy by Khan Academy
Otsimo by Otsimo
Tala by Tala Mobile
TODXS by TODXS

Standout Indie

Games from indie developers that focus on artistic design, gameplay mechanics, and overall polish

Agent A by Yak & Co
Bridge Constructor Portal by Headup Games
Flipping Legend by Noodlecake Studios Inc
Old Man's Journey by Broken Rules Interactive Media GmbH
OPUS: Rocket of Whispers by Sigono Inc.

Best Community Building Game

Games built to connect gamers, encouraging social interaction and community building

Clash Royale by Supercell
Episode by Pocket Gems
Lineage 2: Revolution by Netmarble Corporation
Pokémon GO by Niantic, Inc.
PUBG MOBILE by Tencent Games

Best AR or VR Experience

Apps or games offering highly engaging and immersive experiences with optimal use of ARCore or Daydream UI

ASTEROIDS! by Baobab Studios
BBC Earth: Life in VR by BBC Worldwide (Ltd)
Brickscape by 5minLab
Figment AR by Viro Media
Porsche Mission E by Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG

Standout Build for Billions Experience

Apps or games with optimized performance, localization, and culturalization for emerging markets

Cricbuzz by Cricbuzz.com
Flipkart by Flipkart
Mercado Libre by Mercado Libre
Moovit by Moovit
Viki by Viki, Inc

Standout Startup

Apps from new developers that offer a unique experience while achieving strong organic install growth.

Astro by Astro Technology
Canva by Canva
Drops by Language Drops
Kredivo by FinAccel Pte Ltd
N26 by N26

Best Breakthrough Hit

New apps or games with excellent overall design, user experience, engagement and retention, and strong organic install growth

Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp by Nintendo Co., Ltd.
Cooking Craze by Big Fish Games
Empires & Puzzles by Small Giant Games
Final Fantasy XV Pocket Edition by SQUARE ENIX Co., Ltd.
PUBG MOBILE by Tencent Games

Come back on Monday, May 7th when we announce the winners, and until then, make sure to try out some of these great apps and games on Google Play at g.co/play/gpa2018.

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