Google Announces Updates to Play Pass and Play Points at GDC

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ICARO Media Group
News
12/03/2024 22h02

Google has unveiled exciting updates to its Android-related programs, Play Pass and Play Points, during the Games Develop Summit (GDC) this week. With over 220 million members in 35 markets, Play Points is touted as one of the largest loyalty programs globally. Google plans to expand its presence to Brazil later this year, further boosting its user base and developer reach.

For developers, Play Points offers an opportunity to retain existing users and attract new ones. Google emphasized the significance of the program in increasing user engagement and loyalty. Meanwhile, Play Pass, which provides access to over 1,000 ad-free Android games and apps for $4.99 per month or $29.99 annually, has witnessed a remarkable growth of over 120% in subscriptions over the past year.

To enhance the Play Pass experience, Google has introduced in-game items and discounts from popular games such as EA SPORTS FC Mobile, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, MONOPOLY GO!, and Roblox. Developers have observed that the majority of users are spending more than the offer amount provided by Play Pass, indicating increased value for both players and developers.

Furthermore, Play Pass is expected to launch in South Korea later this year, expanding its availability to an even wider audience. This move aligns with Google's commitment to making its programs accessible to users worldwide.

In addition to these developments, Google is rolling out improved Google Play store listings, designed to prominently showcase game updates, new content, and promotions. These enhanced listings include videos and a section of AI-generated FAQs, providing more comprehensive information to users directly within the store. YouTube content will also be integrated into the Games tab/feed, offering an immersive gaming experience.

It's important to note that these enhancements are currently limited to English language users and select titles participating in the early access program. Developers who are interested in testing the enhanced store listing feature and providing feedback can express their interest through the designated platform.

Google Play Games on PC is also set to introduce native PC game publishing support. Already featuring popular titles like Lineage2M, Odin: Valhalla Rising, Genshin Impact, and Dragonheir: Silent Gods, the platform offers a diverse range of over 3,000 Android games available in more than 140 countries.

Developers keen to learn more about Google's gaming initiatives can access the Google for Games Developer Summit sessions to explore the latest updates and insights.

With these exciting announcements, Google is demonstrating its commitment to enhancing the gaming experience for users, while empowering developers to reach wider audiences and increase user engagement.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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