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Google also starting subscription service for android gamers

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Rockebull

Google also starting a subscription service for android gamers similar to Apple Arcade. It's called Google Play Pass. The service is only available in US region for now. It's $1.99/month for the first 12 months and then $4.99/month. No words yet on when it will release in other regions.

It has games like Stardew Valley, Limbo, Bridge Constructor Portal, Reign Series, Monument Valley, Star Wars KOTOR etc.

No exclusives like Apple Arcade (for now).

Also allows you to get Premium versions of some apps like Moon Reader, Camera MX. The app catalogue is pretty bare right now compared to the games catalogue, but will probably get better in future.

https://play.google.com/about/play-pass/

You can sign up now for a 10-day trial.

4 years ago

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Will you try Google Play Pass?

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16 Comments
MSKOTOR
(Ultra Moderator)

5 dollars per month to get some mobile games? I paid like 18 dollars for yearly subscription of Origin Access..

Wonder who they aim this offer to, as kids either play on facebook or in fortnite. I think :thinking:

4 years ago
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Rockebull

Lot of mobile gamers spend a lot of money on in-app purchases. These subscriptions (apple arcade and play pass) removes in-app purchases for a monthly payment. It can actually be profitable for some people.

I would probably get that 10-day trial, play some Reigns and Monument Valley and then cancel.

4 years ago
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DanZDK

It actually sounds like they're shooting themselves in the foot with this then - AFAIK mobile gamers spend tons on microtransactions for almost no gain, so by giving them subscriptions they're just getting less overall money for the same end result. Unless it's more subtle than that and the subscriptions include hidden offers to entice even more spending than usual.

4 years ago
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Fluffster

I think the mobile gamers who spend the most on micro-transactions are like smokers. They know it's bad for them, they wish they could quit, they can't quit, so they're willing to pay anybody who looks like they're offering a solution.
Or... teenagers and kids with access to Mommy and Daddy's credit cards numbers.

Either way it's a win/win because Mommy and Daddy will happily pay a subscription to their kids so that they stop getting those huge bills after the fact, and the mobile game whales will keep spending on microtransactions while also paying subs.

4 years ago
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MSKOTOR
(Ultra Moderator)

Ohh in this case I would not mind all games go on subscription on Steam and Origin, so people can't spend 60k dollars on FIFA microtransactions!

4 years ago
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LordXenon

Then be welcome to a more or less lonely world. Not everyone want to pay a monthly tax just to play a game just because a few whales/whatever spend a lot in a game.

4 years ago
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HiroHiro

Hello :)

4 years ago
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MSKOTOR
(Ultra Moderator)

t!daily Hiro

4 years ago
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Fluffster

It's for the mobile gamers. It's fine though. They are millions and they need games.

I just hope the devs for the games are getting properly paid and are not getting screwed with promises and extortion tactics but we'll never know I guess.

4 years ago
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RainBoom

the market for mobiles is huge and i think that's gonna attract a lot of more "serious" developpers and provide better games. for 5€ a month with the currently available games i think it might be a huge success already. yet at the same time i'm very skeptical and pessimist because even spending $1 for a single game isn't a good deal for a lot if not a vast majority of people. so i guess they're either gonna introduce additional intencives (bonus advantages, more efficient advertising, ...) and/or intend plans for medium and long terms

4 years ago
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Fluffster

I don't know if it will attract serious devs though. Let's be honest, the only reason any serious devs is in the mobile market is the money they make on the microtransactions. I doubt the remuneration in the 5 euros a month model is huge for the devs.

4 years ago
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MeisterLeuchte

before i spend any amount of money to play "games" on my phone by smearing my fingers all over the screen i'd rather look out of the window while listening to music from my 15 years old mp3 player.
oh wait. i actually do everytime i'm on the train!

4 years ago
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medjaelani

well, if there's any squenix games or other "ported" game, then sure
but i dont even live in US lol

4 years ago
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vledermau5

I don't play games on my phone...so no :0

4 years ago
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ChibiRobo

Without exclusive games it won't be successful, why would you pay 5$/month for games you won't keep if you unsubscribe when you could buy a 5$ game every month and keep it. Apple Arcade seems more ambitious.

4 years ago
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Rockebull

I agree with that. Apple added 71 exclusive games, where google has none. Google Pass seems more like a response to AA than anything they put any planning behind. I hope they can add some exclusive content for the sake of competition.

4 years ago
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