Google launches Play Pass subscription app and gaming service

Google has officially unveiled their subscription game and app service, Play Pass overnight.

Launching initially in the US for $4.99 USD per month (there’s a free 10-day trial), Google Play Pass will give users access to over 350 games and apps, all of which are free of in-app purchases, ads, or extra fees.

Google has listed many well known titles including well known titles such as Terraria, Monument Valley, Risk, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, and AccuWeather, as well as more indie titles including LIMBO, Lichtspeer, Mini Metro, Old Man’s Journey and many more.

At first glance, the list of titles on offer is quite good. However there doesn’t appear to include any exclusive titles, giving the impression that it may be the poorer cousin to Apple Arcade service.

Apple launched their game subscription service earlier this month for the same $4.99/month fee, though Apple Arcade users get access to exclusive titles developed specifically for the Apple Arcade platform – games with no timers, in-app purchases or any annoying distractions.

Google is offering apps with Play Pass, which could offer some benefit once some better titles are on offer. Initially Google has listed Accuweather, Tunable: Music Practice Tools and PicStitch collage maker, which aren’t particularly compelling, so it may pay to wait and see what other apps are included.

The initial launch is US-only, with more countries, including Australia, expected to follow shortly.