Which Apps and Games Won Google Play’s Best of 2025 in India?

Google Play has declared the winners of its “Best of Play 2025” award in India, revealing the apps and games that have been in the spotlight throughout the year due to their innovation, cultural relevance, and AI integration. The blog post made by Google India on its official blog reflects not only the technological advances but also the growing interest in the experiences that are especially tailored for Indian users.

The winners demonstrate the blending of usability and local popularity. Among the awardees were the games CookieRun India: Running Game and Free Fire Max for using Indian themes, characters, and even music. Real Cricket Swipe, which was given the title of “Best Made in India,” serves the country’s cricket lovers, while the indie game Kamala – Horror Exorcism Escape takes the players to an Indian countryside setting in the 1980s. Google opines that these selections indicate the developers' increasing concentration on “deep local and cultural connections.”

AI is the main character in the winners’ tale for 2025. Google claims that almost 70% of Indian Android users came across AI the first time through an app. Among other things, InVideo AI: AI Video Generator is one of the tools that allow users to convert text into video, while Toonsutra: Webtoon & Manga App uses AI to turn Indian comics into film-like visuals. AI is also used in productivity apps like Goodnotes: Notes, Docs, PDF and Luminar: Photo Editor to make the tasks easier for the user starting from note-taking and ending with photo editing.

Multi-device compatibility and holistic functionality were also a major concern of Google. Apps like Luminar have smooth performance on all devices such as smartphones, tablets, and computers. Daily Planner: To Do List Task pairs task management with journaling and mood keeping, and SleepisolBio: Sleep, Alarm enables health monitoring directly from smartwatches which, according to Google, is an indication of its emphasis on wearable-first experiences.

The prizes also show fast expansion trends in India’s digital ecosystem. Google’s “Top Trending” collection shows those apps that became a hit in 2023, like Instamart: 10 Mins Grocery App, Seekho: Short Learning Videos, and Adobe Firefly: AI Generator. The company in India approximates that its Android and Play ecosystem here has directly created over 3.5 million jobs and indirectly generated more than ₹4 trillion in economic value.

Top Google Play Apps of 2025

Best App (Overall): District: Movies Events Dining — Provides AI-powered hyper-local recommendations for entertainment, dining, and events.

Best Hidden Gem: Toonsutra: Webtoon & Manga App — AI gives Indian comics an added dimension with cinematic effects.

Best for Personal Growth: InVideo AI: AI Video Generator — Creates videos from text prompts fed in.

Best Everyday Essential: Daily Planner: To Do List Task — Combines planning, journaling, and mood tracking.

Best for Watches: SleepisolBio: Sleep, Alarm — Monitors sleep and controls stress via smartwatch.

Best for Large Screens: Goodnotes: Notes, Docs, PDF — Enhanced AI-powered productivity for tablets and large screens.

Best Multi-Device App: Luminar: Photo Editor — Provides uniform AI editing throughout devices.

Top Google Play Games of 2025

Best Game (Overall) & Best Pick-Up & Play: CookieRun India: Running Game — A localised runner game with easy controls.

Best Ongoing Game: Free Fire Max — Awarded for cultural integration and player retention.

Best Indie Game: Kamala – Horror Exorcism Escape — Survival horror in rural India, 1980s.

Best Made in India Game: Real Cricket Swipe — Cricket-centric gameplay with user-friendly swipe controls.

Best Multi-Device Game: Disney Speedstorm — Runs smoothly on all three devices —mobile, tablet, and foldables.