Google is testing subscription service for mobile apps and games from Play Store

Google is testing Play Pass, a subscription service for Android apps from the Play Store. A spokesperson for the search giant has confirmed this to the Android Police website. The offer seems to consist mainly of a collection of games.

Android Police has received screenshots from a user showing that the Google Play Pass service will cost five dollars a month. A description on one of the screenshots states that the service gives access to hundreds of premium apps and games, with no ads or in-app purchases. The apps to be used do not have to be purchased individually and the content that normally becomes available via in-app purchases is unlocked by default and therefore immediately available.

Assuming that the screenshots are authentic, something can also be said about the apps that will be available as part of the Google Play Pass. Games such as Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Stardew Valley, Marvel Pinball and Limbo can be seen. A description on one of the screenshots reveals that the catalog consists of “puzzle games to premium music apps and everything in between.” There is also talk of fitness trackers and action titles. It concerns a total of ‘hundreds of accessible apps’, although no complete list is known yet. It is also unknown when the service will be released and in which regions it will be released.

Presumably, Google wants to counterbalance Apple Arcade with the Play Pass. The Cupertino company announced this mobile game subscription service at the end of March and it should be available in the fall. With Apple Arcade, exclusive games on the iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV can be played for a fixed amount per month and without in-game purchases, although no pricing information is known yet.

Screenshots: Android Police