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

Check out the winners, and make sure to try out some of these great apps and games on Google Play at g.co/play/gpa2018.