Google is currently toying around with a rather interesting system that they may be introducing into Google Play in the near future. This system is called App Trials and it is essentially a Try-Before-Buying type of system where users can try out a game (or app) before purchasing it. Not too far off from what Ouya used to have and what a lot of PC marketplaces already currently do with PC games.
Essentially this is Google’s way of offering people demo’s of games that they are interested in buying without developers actually having to make a demo version of their game. This would save developers, especially indie developers, considerable time and effort making two different versions of their games, whether that be a free version with an IAP for the full version or two separate uploads, one full and one demo. This could also help reduce the clutter on Google Play with all the different versions.
There is also another reason that Google is looking into this and it has to deal with Apple. Apple has been improving app discovery in the App Store with videos and better descriptions. Another approach for iTunes is coming from ad companies like Voxel and mNectar who are offering 30 second playable game adverts. This puts Google in a sticky situation considering app discovery on Google Play is a pain in the ass, especially with new games since the removal of the “Just In” section some time ago.
As for when App Trial will arrive on Google Play, no solid release date has been announced as of yet. When that is announced, we will post an update.
Website Referenced: The Information
