Publishing your first game on Google Play can seem daunting, especially with Google's rigorous developer requirements for personal accounts. In this guide, we walk you through every step required to take your game from a Unity project to live on the Google Play Store.

1. Registering for a Google Play Developer Account

Sign up at the Google Play Console (play.google.com/console). You will need to pay a one-time $25 registration fee and verify your developer identity with government ID and phone verification.

2. The 20-Tester Closed Testing Requirement

For personal developer accounts created after November 2023, Google requires you to run a Closed Testing track with at least 20 testers opted in for a minimum of 14 continuous days before you can apply for production publishing.

• Recruit testers from developer forums, friends, family, or testing swap communities.
• Ensure testers actually open and test the app regularly during the 14-day period.

3. Completing the App Content Questionnaire

Google requires thorough disclosure of your app's content:

• Privacy Policy URL: Provide your active, hosted privacy policy (e.g., https://readygamecode.com/policy/privacy-policy).
• Ads Disclosure: Declare whether your app contains ads (check Yes if you have integrated AdMob or Unity Ads).
• Target Audience: Specify target age groups. If you target children under 13, you must comply with Google Play's Families Policy and Designed for Families requirements.
• Data Safety Section: Accurately disclose what data your app or third-party SDKs (like AdMob or Firebase) collect and share.