Apple Arcade vs Google Play Pass: tech giants go head to head with mobile gaming subscriptions

Mobile gaming subscriptions are the hot new tech trend 
Apple Arcade will include games from the likes of Bossa Studios and ustwo games
Apple
Amelia Heathman24 September 2019

Two of the world’s biggest tech companies are moving into the world of mobile gaming subscriptions at exactly the same time.

Apple announced its new Apple Arcade programme earlier this year as part of its pivot to services, whilst Google has followed suit with its own Play Pass for Android phones.

From how it works to games and prices, here’s what you need to know.

Apple Arcade

Apple Arcade is available to play now
Francesco De Tommaso / Unsplash

What is it?

Apple has nearly 300,000 gaming apps on the App Store played by more than one billion customers but says the premium games can get lost amongst all the freebies. The subscription model of Apple Arcade will allow developers to reach more gamers.

In addition, Apple will be directly funding development for games on its service, which makes it different to Google's offering.

How does it work?

Gamers pay a monthly subscription and then can play any game, any time, from the selection with no ads, ad tracking or additional purchases involved.

The games can be played cross-platform – on the iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV – and can be played offline too.

Which games are available on Apple Arcade?

Apple says there are over 100 new and exclusive games on the platform, as well as original releases.

There are games from the likes of Annapurna Interactive, London’s Bossa Studios, Cartoon Network, SEGA and ustwo games, the studio behind Monument Valley.

There’s a new intricate puzzle game called Patterned from Borderleap; a post-apocalyptic road trip adventure game named Overland from Finji; and games from solo developers like the card-based challenges game, Card of Darkness, from Zach Gage.

Apple Arcade cost and release date

Apple Arcade is available now on the App Store and it will cost £4.99 a month. This price includes Family Sharing, which means up to six people are able to share the subscription.

Google Play Pass

What is it?

Similar to Apple Arcade, Google Play Pass is an Android app subscription service but the major difference is that it will include premium apps as well as premium games on the platform.

How does it work?

There’s a new Play Pass tab in the Google Play Store which will signal the over 350 games and apps that are available using the new subscription.

But, unlike Apple’s version, the available apps are only playable on mobile and it looks like only existing apps will be included in the subscription for now.

Stardew Valley is one of the games available on Google Game Pass
ConcernedApe

Which games are available on Google Play Pass?

As Google is deciding to lean on its known games and apps for the Play Pass right now, titles include the likes of Terraria, Monument Valley, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, as well as premium apps like Accuweather.

The company says there will be new titles arriving every month.

Google Play Pass cost and release date

Google Play Pass is only available in the US for now, though it should be rolling out to the rest of the world soon. Android users will receive a 10-day free trial, before spending only $1.99 a month for the first 12 months, and $4.99 per month afterwards – so a similar price to Apple Arcade.

Like Apple, Android users can also take advantage of the Google Play Family Library, so up to six family members can share one Play Pass subscription. Developers will be paid depending on user engagement with the apps.

How does Google Play Pass compare to Google Stadia?

Google Play Pass isn’t the only gaming subscriptions service Google is launching this year. Stadia, announced earlier this year, is a cloud-based platform that will allows players to stream and play different games wherever they are. It works using an internet connection and a compatible device, which can be a smartphone, PC or a smart TV.

Play Pass is a mobile-only subscription service, whereas Google Stadia is set to be a platform which offers console-style gaming, albeit without a console.

Create a FREE account to continue reading

eros

Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism.

Join our community where you can: comment on stories; sign up to newsletters; enter competitions and access content on our app.

Your email address

Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account

* Required fields

Already have an account? SIGN IN

By clicking Create Account you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use , Cookie policy and Privacy policy .

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in