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Updated August 2nd, 2019 at 15:57 IST

Google prepping Play Pass game and app subscription service to take on Apple Arcade 

Play Pass seems to be Google’s take on Apple’s Arcade game subscription service

Reported by: Saurabh Singh
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“All play, no interruptions. Access hundreds of premium apps and games, with no ads or in-app purchases.” is how Google apparently describes its Play Pass game (and app) subscription service. No prizes for guessing, Play Pass seems to be Google’s take on Apple’s Arcade game subscription service. Reports that Google is prepping Play Pass have been doing since last year, but this is the first time the Mountain View company has confirmed the service is real – via Android Police – and it’s currently in testing.  

A set of leaked screenshots give a better understanding of what could be in store – including possible pricing. Google’s Play Pass service costs $4.99 - as per the screenshots – giving users unlimited access to both premium apps as well as games without any ads or in-app purchases. There’s a slight difference between what Google’s trying to do here and Apple Arcade. Apple’s Arcade will offer a collection of 100+ new and exclusive games that will be playable across Apple devices. Google’s Play Pass seems to be offering already existing games, plus apps, with no mention of any exclusives whatsoever. 

Considering how app piracy runs rampant on Android and how iPhone owners tend to spend far more money on apps than their Android counterparts, it would be interesting to see how users react to Play Pass.   

Much like Apple Arcade, Google’s Play Pass will also offer a family plan – although the leaked screenshots don’t mention the cost involved.  

Subscription services seem to be all the rage these days. And Google itself has been investing heavily on it. Only recently, it announced Stadia – a game streaming service that will allow gamers to play high-end AAA games across devices over the cloud. Google is promising console-quality gaming (4K at 60fps at launch, and 8K 120fps later) sans an actual console - Google is really touting Stadia as a gaming platform for everyone. 

With Android being the largest mobile operating system, it was only about time that, Google launched something like Play Pass. That said, it’s still early days for Play Pass. We don’t even know if Google will roll it out of testing for all anytime soon, but with Apple’s Arcade coming, it would be a surprise if it doesn’t. Apple is yet to announce price and availability of Arcade.    

Also Read:  Google Announces Stadia Game Streaming Service, Promises Smooth 4K 60fps Playback Over The Cloud

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Published August 2nd, 2019 at 15:57 IST

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