Google opens up Maps so developers can build their own games

The augmented reality gaming market is about to change forever, as Google is opening its Maps API to allow developers to build more location-based games like Nintendo's Pokemon Go.

The Maps API will help developers to more easily create gameplay experiences around real-world locations. Google will be collaborating with developers in this department, to help them locate the perfect places on Earth to play in.

The search engine firm is also offering a new software toolkit called Unity SDK that will help Map's integration into games more hassle-free. Clementine Jacoby, product manager for Google Maps API's said, "We turn buildings, roads, and parks into GameObjects in Unity, where developers can then add texture, style, and customization to match the look and feel of your game." Developers can add texture, style, and customization to match the look and feel of the game. Jacoby added, "We're excited to be bringing the best of Google to mobile gaming."

Developers will also have access to over 100 million 3D buildings, roads, landmarks, and parks from over 200 countries, which will allow them to build engaging gameplay across the globe. Google has already built a range of games using Google Maps API including Jurassic World Alive, Ghostbusters World, and The Walking Dead: Our World.

Alexandre Thabet, the CEO, Ludia, said, "With Google Maps data integrated into Unity, we were able to focus our time and energy on building detailed virtual experiences for our users to find virtual dinosaurs in the real world."

With Google finally opening up its Maps platform for everyone, a lot of other developers can now begin their own unique experiments and perhaps offer new spins of the gaming subgenre.