Google Play Games - Making Google+ Mainstream

Google Play Games integration with Google+ is becoming increasingly common in games on Google Play. Could this be drawing more users to Google's social media network?

Ask your average person what Google+ is and unfortunately a large number of them won't know the answer. Many people have had a negative opinion of it and this is usually because of the fact Google is increasingly asking them to use the service.

However, in recent weeks I have noticed a lot more people joining Google+. Why? Google Play Games. Because of its increasing integration with apps and the competitive element it provides, I have seen a surprising number of people using it. Because of this, it allows me to see things like this:

Games are more fun with friends

As more people are connecting their games to Google Play Games, the competitive element begins to be much more enjoyable. This has happened to the degree that for some reason I am fighting my way to 1st place on Flappy Bird.

The point is that Google Play Games is proving to be a very effective method of getting more people to join Google+. Those that enjoy games on their Android devices love the idea of being able to compete with their friends and so are more than happy to sign up.

The fact that it is branded as Google Play Games and simply requires Google+ to function also prevents people from being driven away by the Google+ brand. The recent addition of the "Connecting to" animation also further adds to the Google Play Games branding:

In summary, I feel that Google Play Games has begun to attract a significant amount of users to Google+ and it will only continue to do so as more and more games use the service.

Do you use Google Play Games, and do you feel that your friends have joined Google+ to make use of it?