Little over a year after Google added in-app purchases to the then Android Market, the firm has now unveiled a subscription model for apps on Google Play.
Said subscriptions are auto-renewing by default and are available in both monthly and annual forms, with Google dubbing the move as a way of making it "easy for developers to offer a great purchasing experience."
Super subscriptions
"Building on Google Play's strength as a truly cloud-connected experience, developers can offer users the ability to carry their subscriptions across multiple properties, services, or campaigns," said Google Play product manager Ibrahim Elbouchikhi.
"To make this easier, we're introducing an HTTP-based publisher API through which enterprise-scale backend servers can validate or cancel subscriptions.
"Using this API, for example, developers can extend access from their Android apps to their web properties, based on subscriptions that are purchased on Google Play."
Google claims games are already lining up to employ the model, with Glu the first to take advantage by launching updated versions of its top Android titles, including Frontline Commando.
Going Glu
"We're using Google Play subscriptions to offer consumers a compelling value and a single currency which they can use across Glus most popular titles," said Glu CEO Niccolo de Masi.
"We're excited to bring these capabilities to our Android users and we believe that Google Play subscriptions will fuel further growth in our business."
Developers looking to employ subscriptions in their titles need to read the in-app billing documentation first, before downloading the updated sample app.
For those already employing in-app billing, Google claims adding subscriptions is pain free and "involves only minor changes to your code."
Users need to have Google Play version 3.5 or higher to take advantage of the subscriptions.
[source: Google]
News
With a fine eye for detail, Keith Andrew is fuelled by strong coffee, Kylie Minogue and the shapely curve of a san serif font.
Top Stories
News
May 31st, 2024
Week in Views - Squad Busters goes global, broken app stores, and Hill Climb Racing gets the LEGO treatment
News
May 31st, 2024
Mobile Movers: All the latest appointments and job moves from around the industry
Events
Indie Game Fest & Indie Campus 2024 | Europe | May 31st |
Indie Craft K-Game Festival 2024 | Europe | May 31st |
BostonFig Online 2024 | Jun 1st | |
GameSummit Summer 2024 | Jun 1st | |
Gotland Game Conference 2024 | Nordic | Jun 3rd |
Games Mental Health Summit 2024 | Europe | Jun 3rd |
Dev Play Conference 2024 | Europe | Jun 3rd |
Tribeca Games Festival 2024 | North America | Jun 5th |