Google has been testing a monthly subscription service for apps and games, under the name Google Play Pass.The move to a subscription model has been rumored since before Apple introduced its ‘Apple Arcade’ offering earlier in the year.
The package looks almost ready to launch, with $4.99 set as the monthly fee – not a lot considering it gives access to thousands of apps, all without adverts and In-App Purchasing (IAP) options. Although gaming is at the heart of the offer, there will be more conventional apps too.
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The listing, found by Android Police, says it offers: “Explore a curated catalogue spanning puzzle games to premium music apps and everything in between. From action hits to puzzles and fitness trackers, with Google Play Pass you unlock access to hundreds of premium apps and games without ads, download fees or in-app purchases.”
With access to all these games for such a low monthly fee, this could see the average time per user spent on gaming creep up, and perhaps even lead to an uptake in sales of games not included in the package.
With no official information on a launch date or price, it’ll be interesting to see if Google decides to scupper the launch of Apple Arcade’s which goes for $7.99 by going first and significantly undercutting it with Play Pass.
