How can I test GPGS features without uploading it to Google Play?

Unity Engine
,
1

When I created my application in the Google Play Console, I enabled App Signing by Google Play.
This was a huge mistake, but I didn’t realize it until now when I have started implementing Play services.

If I just build my apk and install it on my phone I am not allowed to connect to my google play services.
The apk must be signed by Google, so I am forced to build the apk, upload it to google play, and then download it on my phone.

This is absolute insanity.
I must be missing something.
I refuse to believe that I am supposed to go through this incredibly lengthy process every time I want to test the smallest of changes regarding the GPGS features.

2

What is the error you get in that situation?

3

The callback string from Social.localUser.Authenticate simply says “Authentication failed” or “Authentication cancelled” if I build the apk directly to my phone.

I contacted google play’s developer support and got it confirmed that I am indeed forced to upload my apk to google play and then download it again to my phone if I want access to the google play services.
I don’t know what to say.
My mind is completely blown by what a pain in the ass this is.
It takes F.O.R.E.V.E.R. to test simple changes to google play services…
I’m very disappointed.

2 Likes
4

Thanks for sharing your experience. I was struggling with the Authentication Cancelled issue which doesn’t inform error details. I just realized I have to upload apk everytime and I’m assured by your experience.

5

I have ran into this exact problem.

It is incredibly slow to develop this way.

On top of that, how do I even debug the code?

Is there really no way around this?

1 Like
6

If, like me, you came here because you are having issues with long iteration time while testing Google Play Games Services code …

My issue involved:

  • Google Play Console controls my app signing key
  • Unity’s keystore is applied to my Unity builds
  • Therefore I can’t test Google Play Games Services code without fully uploading and publishing my builds through the Google Play Console

This thread is how I finally got that fixed.

https://github.com/playgameservices/play-games-plugin-for-unity/issues/2981

2 Likes
7

Thank you! I can confirme this works and is a great help.

1 Like
8

Hi, i dont know if there is an update about that so, we still need to build it apk (or aab) and test it in the phone. I mean we cant test it in the Unity Editor ?

9

Apple Sign In goes with XCode pretty easy - and without having to upload anywhere.

I didn’t expect that the Play Services integration testing could be so complicated. This makes the development very slow.