Every year, Google Play best of 2025 puts the spotlight on standout apps and games that had the most impact in different regions. In 2025, Google selected winners in India that showcase innovation and deeply resonate among local users, especially through their culturally relevant design and AI-powered functionality.
Google Play Best of 2025: District by Zomato & CookieRun India
District: Movies, Events & Dining (Zomato)
- Named Best App of 2025 in India.
- Combines dining, events, and movie bookings on one platform.
- Utilizes AI to provide personalized recommendations using user tastes and local trends to surface hyper-local suggestions.
- Represents the evolution of social utility apps by making “going out” a smart, curated city experience.
CookieRun India: Running Game
- Winner of Best Game of 2025 on Google Play India.
- Features vibrant and fast-paced gameplay with cute cookie-themed characters.
- Won Best Pick Up & Play, highlighting its casual and accessible design.
- Emphasizes local connection with Indian-themed content that makes players feel at home.
Best of Play 2025 — Key Highlights
Here’s a quick breakdown of what made this year’s Best of Play winners stand out:
| Category | 2025 Winner (India) |
|---|---|
| Best App | District: Movies, Events & Dining |
| Best Game | CookieRun India: Running Game |
| Best Pick Up & Play | CookieRun India: Running Game |
Beyond these winners, Google also recognized other apps and games that reflect emerging trends. AI integration, cultural relevance, and developer maturity are all major themes driving this year’s selections.
Why These Winners Matter
Local Relevance & Cultural Connection
The winners reflect a growing trend: Indian users want apps that ring true to their everyday lives, not global utility. District brings personalized recommendations on food and entertainment, while CookieRun adapts gameplay that resonates with Indian players.
AI is Foundational
Google highlights that AI is becoming integral to app design in India. District’s recommendation engine is powered by AI, and many of the winning apps and games rely on intelligent features that drive engagement.
Developer Maturity
The 2025 list shows the rise of Indian developers, from indie studios to major companies. Quality and ingenuity have notably improved. These winners signal increasing innovation across the ecosystem.
Implications for Users and Developers
For users, these awards highlight top-notch applications and games worth checking out — especially if one hasn’t tried District or CookieRun yet.
For developers, Google Play’s recognition of local content and AI-first apps reveals the vast opportunity in building deeply localized experiences.
These awards validate a major shift in the Android ecosystem in India: it’s no longer just about global apps, but about regional creativity and homegrown tech talent.
Final Thoughts
More than just a list, Google Play’s “Best of 2025” awards in India represent how the digital landscape is evolving. Zomato’s District shows that social, utility-driven applications rooted in local life can succeed when combined with smart AI. CookieRun India demonstrates that global gaming genres can thrive when adapted to local tastes.
Together, they reflect a growing ecosystem of tech innovation, cultural relevance, and maturing developers. Whether you’re an Android user or a developer looking to the future, these winners are essential indicators of where India’s app world is headed.
