Google Play Pass - This is Google's answer to Apple Arcade
from Nils Ahrensmeier 
on September 24, 2019, 10:52 am | Write a comment
Apple has with their game service "Apple Arcade“ the first mobile game flat rate for just €5 (pro month) published for the whole family. Already in January, however, the first rumors and leaks about a Google “Play Pass" on. This has now been confirmed by Google and is a bit different from Apple's Arcade.
The concept of the Play Pass is different. Instead of just betting on games, Google is including more than 350 games and apps in the pass. These then come completely without advertising and with activated in app purchases. With their subscription, Apple is also relying on exclusive titles that can only be played with Arcade. Google writes in the press release that all apps and games can still be purchased again or free of charge with advertising.
This is what the “Play Pass Hub” will look like in the Google Play Store. (Image: Google)
Google Play Pass: What Will It Include?
A complete list has not yet been published, but a few big titles have been named. Games like Terraria, Monument Valley, Risk, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic or useful apps like “AccuWeather” will be included. Overall, Google speaks of over 350 apps that should be included at the launch.
From then on, new apps and games will be added every month. Anyone who buys the subscription should then get the benefits of no advertising or those in app purchases even with apps that have already been downloaded, without having to reinstall the app. Google also wants to appeal to children and families with the subscription, which is why “family and child-friendly apps and games” will also be included.
So far, Google has only given us a small preview of the apps it contains. (Image: Google)
When is the Google Play Pass coming and how much does it cost?
According to the Google The Play Pass will start this week in the USA and will then also be launched in other countries “soon”. The price is $1.99 for the first year and then $4.99 for the second year pro Month. We assume that these will also be the euro prices. The pass can also be shared with up to 5 family members, with each getting their “individual” Play Pass.
It remains to be seen whether the pass will be free for a year for products like the Pixel, as is the case with Apple. What do you think of the Google Play Pass? Useful or a waste of money?