Quick Read
- Google launched an interactive curling game Doodle for the 2026 Winter Olympics, which began February 4.
- The Doodle also includes a skiing/snowboarding game with facts about the host cities, Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.
- ‘The Palace on the Hill,’ a slice-of-life adventure game, is now available on Android via Google Play.
- Mobile players can play ‘The Palace on the Hill’ free with ads, or ad-free through an in-app purchase or Google Play Pass subscription.
NEW YORK (Azat TV) – Google is marking early February 2026 with a dual focus on digital entertainment, launching an interactive Google Doodle curling game to celebrate the start of the Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, while also expanding its platform offerings with the multi-platform release of the slice-of-life adventure game ‘The Palace on the Hill,’ now available on Android via Google Play and Play Pass.
These developments highlight Google’s ongoing engagement with the gaming community, both through its unique interactive homepage features and its role as a major distribution platform for third-party titles, catering to a wide array of users from casual players to dedicated adventurers.
Google Doodle Celebrates 2026 Winter Olympics with Curling Game
As the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina officially commenced on February 4, Google launched a new interactive Google Doodle game featuring the sport of curling. The Doodle, designed to engage users directly on the Google homepage, allows players to experience a simplified version of ‘chess on ice’ ahead of the Games’ opening ceremonies on February 6, 2026, which will feature performances by Mariah Carey and Andrea Bocelli, according to NorthJersey.com.
The interactive game challenges players to slide heavy granite stones across a sheet of ice towards a circular target, known as the house, aiming to score points by positioning their team’s stones closer to the center than their opponent’s. The Doodle also includes a stylized low-poly skiing and snowboarding game where users can navigate alpine gates to unlock facts about the host cities, Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. Curling events for Team USA began on February 4, with additional events scheduled for February 5, viewable on NBC, USA Network, and Peacock streaming.
Google Doodles are known for their occasional appearance on the search engine’s homepage to commemorate historical events, holidays, or real-time occurrences. Previous popular interactive Doodles have included Google Doodle Baseball, Google Doodle Popcorn, and the Lunar New Year celebrations, showcasing Google’s commitment to integrating educational and entertaining content into its primary search interface.
‘The Palace on the Hill’ Expands to Google Play and Mobile
Beyond its internally developed Doodles, Google’s ecosystem is also expanding with new titles from independent developers. The slice-of-life adventure game ‘The Palace on the Hill,’ previously available on PC, has now been released across multiple mobile platforms, including Android and iOS, alongside a Nintendo Switch version. This expansion makes the narrative-driven game accessible to a broader audience, leveraging Google’s extensive mobile distribution network.
Android users can download ‘The Palace on the Hill’ for free via Google Play. While the mobile version initially allows free play, players will encounter ads after a certain duration to continue their game. An in-game purchase of ₹440 (approximately $5.30 USD) offers an ad-free experience, along with exclusive wallpapers and stickers. Furthermore, subscribers to Google Play Pass, which costs ₹99 per month (approximately $1.20 USD), can enjoy the game completely ad-free and without any in-app purchases, as reported by IGN India.
The game invites players to step into the shoes of Vir, a young boy residing in a village adjacent to ancient palace ruins. Through exploration, interaction with locals, and uncovering stories of a forgotten kingdom, players can engage in various activities such as creating paintings inspired by Indian art, cultivating a garden, cooking, and discovering hidden areas. The availability on Google Play Pass further solidifies Google’s push to offer curated, ad-free gaming experiences to its subscribers.
Google’s Diverse Approach to Digital Gaming
Google’s recent activities underscore a multifaceted strategy in the digital gaming landscape. On one hand, the company continues its tradition of creating engaging, time-sensitive interactive content through its Doodles, often tying into major global events like the Winter Olympics. These Doodles serve as both a cultural commentary and a brief, entertaining diversion for millions of users daily. On the other hand, Google maintains its position as a critical platform provider for third-party game developers through Google Play and its subscription service, Google Play Pass. This dual approach allows Google to cater to different segments of the gaming audience, from those seeking quick, free interactive experiences to those looking for deeper, premium titles.
The simultaneous release of a topical Google Doodle and the expansion of a new game onto its mobile platform illustrates Google’s strategic position at the intersection of cultural engagement and commercial gaming, reinforcing its presence as a key player in how digital entertainment reaches global audiences.