Google Play's Best of the Year: Apps—Intelligent AI, Games—IP Dominance

On the 19th, Google Play announced the 'Best of 2025' awards, selected based on innovation and user experience, thus presenting future digital trends. Naver Plus Store took the honor of Best App of the Year, while Netmarble's Seven Knights Rebirth was awarded Best Game of the Year. In the app category, the rise of 'Agent AI' was particularly prominent. Active AI apps that go beyond simply reacting to commands, understanding users' daily lives and proactively providing information or suggesting tasks, garnered attention. Kakao's AI mate 'Kanana' and 'D-Log', which summarizes news of interest, are prime examples. Additionally, apps that maximize productivity across multi-device environments, such as 'Goodnotes' and 'Luminar' which offer seamless connectivity between various devices, gained popularity. The trend of short-form content consumption was also distinct, with Naver Webtoon's short-form animation service 'Cutz' and short-form streaming service 'Shortcha' dominating the entertainment sector. Wearable app 'Quat' and XR app 'Chzzk XR' were also recognized for their innovation. In the game category, the glorious return of popular IPs and multi-platform expansion were the key keywords. 'Seven Knights Rebirth' captivated fans by inheriting the charm of the existing IP while attempting bold changes. In particular, the cross-play experience, which blurred the boundaries between PC and mobile, led the gaming market. 'Journey of Monarch', a reinterpretation of the Lineage IP, and 'Delta Force', which showcased large-scale cross-play battles, as well as 'Odin: Valhalla Rising', which demonstrated a strong presence on the Google Play Games on PC platform, opened new horizons for multi-device gaming. Casual yet strategic games like 'King Shot' and 'Ttalggak Samguk' also continued to receive steady love. The status of K-content in the global market also further elevated. Gravity's 'Ragnarok Crush' was selected as the best game in several Southeast Asian countries, and Krafton's 'Cookie Run India: Running Game' in India, captivating overseas fans. 'Odin: Valhalla Rising' and 'Journey of Monarch' were named 'Best PC Game of the Year' in the US and Taiwan respectively, showcasing the power of Korean games. Lee Sol Co., Ltd's 'SleepisolBio: sleep, alarm' achieved the remarkable feat of being simultaneously selected as 'Best Watch App of the Year' in three countries: the US, Indonesia, and India. Google Play's 'Best of 2025' awards clearly illustrate how a smart and connected future, along with ever-evolving content experiences, will transform our daily lives.