Google launching Play Pass game and app subscription service for Android this week
US-only to start with.
Following last Thursday's launch of Apple's games subscription service, Apple Arcade, Google has announced that its own similar offering is coming to Android devices in the US this week.
Google Play Pass, as the service is known, provides all-inclusive access to over 350 titles, all ad-free and in-app-purchase free, and will, like Apple's service, cost $4.99 USD a month.
There are some notable differences between the two offerings, however. While Apple Arcade is focussed entirely on games, Google Play Pass expands that to include apps. Additionally, Play Pass' library consists of existing titles, rather than brand-new exclusives.
Even so, the initial line-up features some real gems, including the likes of Stardew Valley, Terraria, Monument Valley, Limbo, Reigns: Game of Thrones, 80 Days, Sorcery, Pocket City, Mini Metro, and the Battle of Polytopia.
Android users in the US can try Play Pass free for the first ten days, and those that subscribe before 10th October at 11.59pm PT will only pay $1.99 USD per month for the first year. After that, the subscription price increases to its usual $4.99 per month.
Play Pass works with Android mobile, laptop, and tablet devices (using Android version 4.4, Play Store version 16.6.25 and above), and a single subscription can be shared between six family members. Google says to "stay tuned for international availability."