Google Retiring Mini-Games Feature From Android Auto

Google is quietly phasing out another feature from Android Auto, its in-car interface for Android smartphones. This time, the company appears to be removing GameSnacks, a collection of simple HTML5 games originally designed to give drivers something to do while their vehicles were parked.

The change first came to light after users noticed that GameSnacks had disappeared from the Android Auto menu. Some reported that reinstalling the app temporarily brought the feature back, only for it to vanish again after the next update. These repeated disappearances have led many to believe that Google is deliberately pulling the plug on the feature — even though no official announcement has been made.

GameSnacks debuted in 2021, offering bite-sized games optimized for touchscreens and low-power devices. It included easy-to-play puzzle, racing, and logic titles that could run directly inside the car’s infotainment system. However, over the past several months, users have been complaining that the feature no longer works properly — many say it simply fails to launch, even when the car is safely parked.

This isn’t the only recent shake-up to Android Auto. Google has been steadily refining the platform’s design and functionality, focusing on simpler visuals and fewer distractions behind the wheel. The company also updated the app’s call management interface, aiming for a smoother and safer user experience.

Given that context, it’s not surprising that GameSnacks might be on its way out. The lightweight gaming feature was always more of a novelty than a core part of Android Auto, and it may no longer fit Google’s vision for a cleaner, more streamlined interface.

Some users speculate that this removal could pave the way for new entertainment features in the future — potentially tied to Android Automotive OS, which is installed directly in cars rather than running from a smartphone. But for now, the company has remained silent, offering no confirmation or replacement timeline.

For most drivers, the disappearance of GameSnacks won’t have a major impact, but it does mark another step in Google’s ongoing effort to simplify Android Auto and focus on essential, safety-first features. While fans of the mini-games may be disappointed, the change suggests Google is prioritizing consistency and stability across its growing automotive ecosystem.

Filed in Transportation. Read more about Android, Android Auto and Google.