Google Play Store could soon let users try paid games for free before buying

google play store

• Google Play Store may add 'Try before you buy' trials for premium games
• Game progress during trial will carry over after purchase
• Developers can set trial duration and choose to offer the feature

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Google appears to be introducing a game-changing feature to the Play Store that could let users play premium titles as a trial for a limited time before making a purchase. If implemented successfully, this feature could reduce friction for Android users hesitant to pay for premium titles without first experiencing the gameplay, while enhancing user confidence in purchases. It would also let developers only offer a paid version of their game, instead of typically launching a separate demo to let users gain a brief experience of their game.

Google Play Store’s ‘Try before you buy’: Here’s what to expect

According to a report by Android Authority, an APK teardown of the Google Play Store version 49.6.19-29 has multiple strings that mention a new ‘Try before you buy’ feature for games. This feature would reportedly allow developers to offer free trials for their games for a limited time. After any user completes the trial, they can then purchase the full game.

Another string, ‘Pick up where you left off if you decide to buy,’ has also been discovered through the teardown, which suggests that any progress made during Google Play Store paid game trials will carry over once the user unlocks the full version by full payment. This means that these trials would not require a separate app listing like a demo and would allow users to experience the complete game as intended, with natural and continued progression.

The report also suggests that developers can set the free-trial duration ranging from a few minutes or multiple hours. Repeated attempts for trials could also show a ‘You already used the trial’ message, to prevent misuse and players likely to be prompted to purchase the full version to continue playing. The feature appears to be optional for developers, allowing game creators to choose whether or not they want to offer a free trial for their paid titles.