Google is reportedly developing its own Android subscription service for games to compete with Apple's recently announced Apple Arcade. The Netflix-like subscription service goes by the name of Play Pass and will grant access to a variety of games for the low price of $4.99 a month, following a 10-day free trial. Like Apple Arcade, Play Pass promises games with no microtransactions or ads, with all purchase-locked content available from the start. No release date for Google's Play Pass is confirmed.

Awareness of the Google Play Pass subscription service grew in 2018 after Android tinkerers found a reference to it within the Google Play Store framework. However, the service is now all but confirmed following the release of Play Pass screenshots from an ongoing test. The test can be assumed to be from a closed beta or alpha, which may or may not still be under NDA. Until Google makes an official announcement about the subscription service there's still a possibility that it never comes to fruition.

RELATED: Apple Arcade Game Subscription Service Announced

Based on the screenshots for Play Pass there are several assumptions that can be made. For one, Play Pass isn't just for games. In one screenshot a message reads, "Explore a catalog spanning puzzle games to premium music apps and everything in between." It goes on to list fitness trackers as also available within the service. As mentioned, it'll have a 10-day free trial. Subscribers will also be able to cancel anytime, so there are no commitments. And a family plan will also be available, though a price wasn't shown.

The screenshot also provided a first look at some of the games that Play Pass will offer as part of the subscription. One prominent offering is Stardew Valley, the farm simulator. Others include Marvel Pinball, Threes, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, Hatoful Boyfriend, 80 Days, This Is the Police, Ticket to Ride, Limbo, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Monument Valley, Elmo Loves 123s, Life is Strange, Risk, Old Man's Journey and more.

As to how Google's Play Pass will compare to Apple Arcade, there are already a few notable differences. For one, Apple Arcade is priced at $9.99 a month, where Play Pass appears to be $4.99. Apple Arcade will have a family plan included whereas Play Pass will require users pay extra. Apple is also claiming to have a variety of exclusive games, though the extent of that remains to be seen. Play Pass does seem to be advertising non-game apps where Apple Arcade isn't. Otherwise, both services promise access to over a hundred games.

Until Google officially announces Google Play Pass and its features its comparison to Apple Arcade is largely based on speculation. However, it's clearly true that even as Apple seemed poised to introduce a unique new service to the market this fall, it's instead delivering a new competitive element to gaming on mobile devices. Google isn't going to let Apple gain any ground.

MORE: Every Apple Arcade Game Confirmed So Far

Source: AndroidPolice