Google reveals Play Pass, its Apple Arcade rival

Google reveals Play Pass, its Apple Arcade rival

Games and apps and no microtransactions

Google is taking aim at Apple’s recently launched Arcade service with a subscription platform of its own. Google Play Pass will deliver a very similar business proposition — all you can play without the extra pay — for $4.99/month.

It looks to differentiate itself from Apple in a couple of ways, too. First, it will also offer apps as a part of the package, not just games. Though at this point, none of the apps or games seem to be exclusives to the platform, unlike several on Arcade. Second, the service will be exclusive to Android devices, which includes phones, tablets and (some) laptops.

While Apple is focusing strictly on games, Play Pass poses an interesting idea in which all apps and games could eventually be free for a subscriber. With mobile spending up to an average of about $80/year (Sensor Tower), a service like this could bring up some of the lower spenders while providing a value to those that are on the higher end.

Google Play Pass launches for some Android devices this week.

Source: Google