Introduction

So, you’ve finished your Unity game and now you’re ready to share it with the world? Publishing your game on Google Play Store is one of the most exciting steps in your game development journey.

But if you’re new to the process, there are several important steps — from creating a developer account to preparing your signed APK or AAB file — that must be followed correctly.

In this guide, you’ll get a complete publishing checklist to take your Unity game live on Google Play Store smoothly and professionally.

What You’ll Need

Before you start the publishing process, make sure you have everything ready:

• Unity Editor (2021.3 or higher): to build your final APK or AAB
• Google Play Developer Account: one-time $25 registration fee
• Keystore file: used to sign your Android build
• Game assets: app icon (512×512), feature graphic (1024×500), screenshots, and banner images
• Game description & short summary: for Play Store listing
• Tested build (bug-free): tested on multiple devices
• Privacy policy URL: required by Google

Step-by-Step Guide to Publish Your Unity Game on Google Play

Step 1: Prepare Your Game Build in Unity

• Go to File → Build Settings → Android and switch platform to Android.
• Click Player Settings and fill in:
• Package name (e.g. com.yourstudio.gamename)
• Game title (under “Product Name”)
• Version and Bundle Code
• Set icon and splash screen under “Player Settings → Icon.”
• Choose Build Type → AAB (recommended for Play Store).
• Click Build, and Unity will generate your .aab file.

Pro Tip: Google now requires AAB (Android App Bundle) instead of APK for new uploads.

Step 2: Sign Your Build (Keystore Setup)

• In Build Settings → Player Settings → Publishing Settings, create or use an existing keystore file.
• Enter alias name, password, and confirm details.
• Save your keystore securely — you’ll need it for all future updates.

Tip: Never lose your keystore file. Without it, you can’t update your app later.

Step 3: Create a Google Play Developer Account

• Visit https://play.google.com/console
• Sign in with your Google account.
• Pay the $25 one-time registration fee.
• Fill out your profile (developer name, country, contact email, etc.).

Once verified, you’ll gain access to the Google Play Console Dashboard.

Step 4: Create a New App Listing

• Click “Create App” and fill in the following:
• App name (your game title)
• Default language
• App type → Game
• Free or Paid
• Declaration (Yes, you’re using ads if applicable)
• Click Create App to start.

Step 5: App Content & Store Details

In the left sidebar, complete these mandatory sections:

• App Access: Declare if login or special access is needed.
• Ads: Mention if your app contains ads.
• Target Audience & Content Rating: Specify age group and fill the rating form.
• Privacy Policy: Paste your privacy policy URL.

Then go to Store Listing:

• Add App Icon (512x512), Feature Graphic (1024x500), Screenshots, and Description.
• Use keywords in your short description and full description for better visibility.

Step 6: Upload Your Build

• Go to Production → Create New Release.
• Upload your signed AAB file.
• Add release notes (e.g., “Initial release”).
• Save and review.

Note: Google Play will scan your AAB for malware and integrity before approval.

Step 7: Review and Publish

Once all checklists are complete:

• Go to Publishing Overview → Review and Rollout → Production
• Click “Rollout to Production → Confirm”

Congratulations! Your Unity game is now submitted for review. Google usually takes 24–48 hours to approve your game (sometimes longer if new account).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Uploading an unsigned or debug build.
• Forgetting to include Privacy Policy.
• Using copyrighted music, images, or code.
• Incorrect version code (causes upload rejection).
• Ignoring content rating — can lead to app suspension.

Final Thoughts

Publishing a Unity game on Google Play isn’t as hard as it looks — it just requires organization and attention to detail.

Once your game is live, you can enable Google Ads, Leaderboards, and In-App Purchases to start monetizing and engaging players.

Your first release is just the beginning. Keep updating, improving, and watching your downloads grow!