Similar to the Apple Arcade, Google is planning to launch a gaming subscription service called Play Pass. The company has already started testing Google Play Pass by making the service available for a small number of users. This service offers a selection of premium apps and games to users without any ads or in-app purchases. However, Google hasn’t announced any official timeline for launching the Play Pass yet.

Certain sources had reported on the possibility of Play Pass launch after finding the mention of Play Pass in an earlier version of Play Store. However, Google didn’t make any official statements about Play Pass then. But, the company has now confirmed that it is testing a premium app and game subscription service.

The Google Play Pass may feature games like Marvel Pinball, Limbo, and Stardew Valley. The games included in the Play Pass won’t contain any in-app purchases or ads. However, this may be problematic for freemium games that offer in-app purchases as Play Pass may unlock unlimited in-game currency for its users. Apart from games, the Google Play Pass subscription is also expected to offer premium music streaming and fitness tracking. The info page of Google Play Pass states, “Explore a curated catalog spanning puzzle games to premium music apps and everything in between.” It also adds that, “From action hits to puzzles and fitness trackers, with Google Play Pass you unlock access to hundreds of premium apps and games without ads, download fees or in-app purchases.”

The test version of Google Play Pass offers a 10-day free trial, after which the service costs $4.99 per month. However, Google may alter the cost of their basic plan before announcing the service officially. Also, Google is expected to launch a family plan for Play Pass users and the price of this plan is not revealed as of yet.

Google may announce the Play Pass in its yearly October event. It is quite likely that Google may announce Play Pass as a bundled feature with the 2019 Pixel devices. Considering the popularity of subscription services for movies and music, implementing a similar model makes sense for Google. However, the company still has to explore whether the subscription model is feasible for apps and games.