PUBG Mobile leads winners in Android Game of the Year Awards

Google has revealed its choices for the best 2018 apps in its Android ecosystem, with a significant focus on mobile games.

While all other apps were split into four categories -- encompassing self-improvement, entertainment and more -- there were a further four categories exploring the breadth of Android gaming.

PUBG Mobile, the portable version of Battle Royale trendsetter PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds, was crowned overall game of the year, and was among one of the five winners in the Most Competitive category.

Its fellow hit multiplayer titles included Warhammer Age of Sigmar, Realm War, Dragon Ball Legends, Asphalt 9 and Badland Brawl.

Google also chose its favourite indie games of 2018, including Reigns: Game of Thrones, Cube Escape Paradox, Returner 77, Evoland 2 and Alto's Odyssey (which also picked up two nods in Apple's awards).

Five games were celebrated for their innovation, including Gorogoa (another Apple winner), Umiro, Hero Hunters, Battlelands Royale, and Dontnod's acclaimed adventure series Life Is Strange, which finally made its Android debut earlier this year.

Finally, Google announced the winners of its Most Casual games, which featured familiar names such as The Sims Mobile and Candy Crush Friends Saga, as well as smaller titles such as Orbia: Tap and Relax, Faraway 3 and puzzle adventure Murder In The Alps.