Google Play Pass Subscription Service Lets You Get Apps and Games Without Ads or in-app Purchases
Google Play has always been about connecting you to the best apps, games and digital content out there. Since everyone plays a little differently, we’re introducing a new way to enjoy many of these digital experiences: Google Play Pass.
Google is launching Google Play Pass, a new subscription service that gives you access to more than 350 apps and games that are completely unlocked—all free of ads, in-app purchases and upfront payments.
Play Pass offers a curated collection of titles from Stardew Valley to AccuWeather, with new apps and games added every month.
Play Pass is coming to Android devices in the U.S. this week, and will be bringing it to additional countries soon. You can get started with a 10-day free trial and subscribe for just $4.99/month. And for a limited time, you can get Play Pass for only $1.99/month for your first twelve months, then $4.99/month.
The Play Pass collection spans hundreds of titles, from games to apps. You’ll find well-known apps and games like Terraria, Monument Valley, Risk, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, and AccuWeather. And others you might be less familiar with, like LIMBO, Lichtspeer, Mini Metro, Old Man’s Journey and many more.
To make all of these apps and games easier to find, Google has added a new Play Pass tab for subscribers. Play Pass apps and games can still be found throughout the Play Store–just look for the Play Pass “ticket.” All apps and games found on the Play Pass homepage or throughout the Play Store with the ticket are completely unlocked with your subscription.
Just like Google Play Family Library, family managers can share their Play Pass subscription with up to five other family members. Each family member can access Play Pass individually. Play Pass also has a selection of family-friendly content—from Toca Boca classics to the My Town series.
Once Play Pass is available on your Android device this week, you can start your free trial by opening the Play Store app, tapping the menu at the top left, and looking for “Play Pass.”
Google Play Pass is considered to be a competitor to the recently lauched Apple game subscription service. Both services cost the same $5 per month, but Google Play Pass seems to offer more apps and games, bit only for US users, for now. Apple Arcade is currently available in more than 150 countries.
In addition, Apple is trying to attract high-profile developers to make games for its service, and even help to fund some games. Apple also insists on mobile exclusivity.
If you don’t feel like subscribing to Google Play Pass, you can still download a game. On the otehr hand, with Apple Arcade, you can only play the games if you’re subscribed to the service. You won’t find them on the regular App Store.