Google testing ‘Play Pass’ app and game subscription service
New offering could be set to rival Apple Arcade
Google is testing a new app and game subscription service called Play Pass.
The company confirmed the news to Android Police after the site received screenshots from a reader, revealing details including a tentative monthly price of $4.99 for the service.
A Play Pass information page reads: “Explore a curated catalog 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.”
Another screenshot listed Stardew Valley and Marvel Pinball as games included with the service.
Play Pass is not the only subscription offering in the works at Google. Cloud gaming platform Google Stadia will launch in November 2019 with over 30 games available to purchase on day one.
Apple is also due to launch a game subscription service called Apple Arcade this autumn. It will initially house over 100 “new and exclusive games” for iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV, with more titles set to be added regularly.
The company has reportedly committed to spending some $500 million on the first wave of Apple Arcade games.