Google is introducing Play Pass, a new  subscription service offering access to hundreds of apps and games, completely free of ads and in-app purchases. What does it mean for devs?

For enthusiastic game players who want variety without having to continuously download new apps, Google Play Pass is a new subscription service that gives access to more than 350 apps and games that are free of ads, in-app purchases and upfront payments. The attraction is that it offers a high-quality, curated collection of titles from Stardew Valley to AccuWeather, with new apps and games added every month.

Currently only available in the US, but in additional countries "soon", Google Play Pass will cost $4.99 per month but there's an introductory offer if $1.99 per month for the first year to subscribers who sign up before 11.59 PT on October 10, 2019 "or while supplies last".

Announcing this a new way for Android developers to make money, Shazia Makhdumi writes:

Being a part of Google Play Pass’s curated collection of apps and games can help you attract new users who may not have discovered your titles on their own. Subscribers can find your content either through the new “Play Pass” tab or by looking for the Play Pass “ticket” badge that indicates apps and games unlocked with Play Pass. And the more value subscribers find in your title, the more revenue you’ll earn on a recurring basis.

Currently Play Pass is an invitation-only program but in future all devs will have do to take advantage of the additional revenue stream is to integrate a few Google Play APIs to enable a seamless experience for Play Pass subscribers:

• Paid apps are free for Play Pass subscribers to enjoy. Developers integrate with the Google Play licensing service to limit access only to paying users.
• IAPs are free for Play Pass subscribers and can be unlocked automatically. No integration is required beyond checking the Google Play Billing API for new or removed purchases when your app starts and resumes.
• Ads are automatically removed for Play Pass subscribers while continuing to surface for the general Play audience. Developers integrate by defining an IAP that removes advertising.

In response to "How do I make money?" Goggle answers:

Developers earn a royalty that is based on algorithmic methods that incorporate signals which capture how users value all types of content (from weather apps to narrative driven indie games). Our goal is for all types of content to succeed on Play Pass and we know that means going beyond paying out only on time spent. We plan to continuously refine the model to make sure it fairly rewards titles that bring awesome experiences to users.

Devs who  currently working on new app or games experience not yet available to Google Play users can to fill out a Google Play Pass Nomination form in order to be invited to join the invitation-only program.

More Information

Unlock your creativity with Google Play Pass

Google Play Pass: Enjoy apps and games without ads or in-app purchases

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