This archive report was first published on 24 September 2019.
Google has launched its new subscription service, Play Pass, in the US, offering users a curated collection of 350 apps and games for $4.99 a month, with a discounted rate of $1.99 for the first year.
Unlike Apple's Arcade subscription service, Google Play Pass bundles both normal apps and games, providing users with ad-free and in-app purchase-free access to the selected titles.
According to Google, the service aims to attract new users to apps and games that may not have been discovered otherwise, with developers earning revenue on a recurring basis based on user engagement.
Developers can easily switch their apps and games to be Play Pass compatible, with Google handling revenue and tracking user engagement through an algorithm.
Currently, the program is invite-only for developers, who can express interest through a web form linked in Google's official blog.
While the service may be appealing to gamers, it remains to be seen whether it will be a worthwhile investment for consumers, particularly in terms of the quality of apps and games offered.
As of now, there is no indication of when Play Pass will be available in other countries, including Kenya, where Google has collaborated with Safaricom for M-PESA XPRESS to enable app payments.
