Two big tech giants in the world, Google and Apple, launched their cloud-based gaming services. Both companies are planning to give its users a ‘frictionless’ gaming experience by using cloud technology to store resources and services on their servers and deliver them to users via the internet.
In this regard, high bandwidth fueled by faster Wi-Fi and upcoming 5G networks has the potential to make streaming games possible with intensive graphics and frictionless.
Apple Arcade and Google Play Pass gaming service
For the unknown, the Cupertino giant Apple introduced Apple Arcade, a game subscription service that will feature over 100 new and exclusive games to all its devices.
On the other hand, the search engine giant Google introduced Play Pass, a new subscription service that gives you access to more than 350 apps and games that are entirely unlocked.
All said and done; we have compared both the gaming service in terms of model, features, prices, and more. So here’s what you need to know!
Apple Arcade
What is it?
In layman terms, Apple Arcade is an online gaming service based on a monthly subscription. This service will feature over 100 new and exclusive games, including original releases from renowned creators Ken Wong, Will Wright Hironobu Sakaguchi and more.
Users can try any game from the collection of titles that are all-you-can-play, ad tracking or additional purchases, have no ads and respect user privacy.
Model!
Apple Arcade uses a model called “infrastructure as a service,” where you can play hundreds of games at any time, from any location, including offline as long as you have an Apple device.
With this model, data storage is outsourced to remote data centers around the world. It offers gameplay across multiple devices, from any location with all progress saved.
Game collections
The service will feature games from Annapurna Interactive, Bossa Studios, Cartoon Network, Finji, Giant Squid, Klei Entertainment, Konami, LEGO, Mistwalker Corporation, SEGA, Snowman, ustwo games and dozens more.
Every game will be playable offline, and many games will offer support for game controllers. Lastly, new games will be added to the service regularly.
Price
Apple Arcade is now available on the App Store, and it will cost €4.99 / month. You can try a one-month free trial before subscribing.
At the end of the trial period, the subscription will be automatically extended until it is cancelled. This price includes Family Sharing, which means up to six people can share the subscription.
Google Play Pass
What is it?
Similar to Apple Arcade, Play Pass is also a subscription service for Android users but taking a slightly different approach, one that might work.
In addition to the premium gaming, it also includes apps that are completely unlocked, meaning they will be free of ads, in-app purchases, and upfront payments. It offers curated collection of titles from Stardew Valley to AccuWeather, with new apps and games added every month.
Additionally, Google is planning to launch Stadia, a cloud-based service that will allow players to stream and play different games wherever they are.
Games collections!
The Play Pass collection spans hundreds of titles, like Terraria, Monument Valley, Risk, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, AccuWeather, LIMBO, Lichtspeer, Mini Metro, Old Man’s Journey and many more. Also, titles like This War of Mine and Cytus are coming soon.
Users can subscribe to the Play Pass through Play Pass tab on Play Store. The Play Pass apps and games can still be found throughout the Play Store; it’s just that you have to look for the Play Pass “ticket.”
All apps and games found on the Play Pass homepage or throughout the Play Store with the ticket are completely unlocked with your subscription.
Price
At present, the service is limited to the US audience and will be offered with a 10-day free trial. However, the company will be rolling out to the rest of the world including Europe soon.
It’s worth mentioning here that, users opting for the service before October 10 get the opportunity to have access to Play Pass at $1.99/month for the first year, after that $4.99 ( per month
Also, the Play Pass subscriptions can be shared with up to five family members and also integrate with Google’s parental controls for the Play Store
Model (Google Stadia)
Since we are clear about Play Pass, let’s talk about the model of Google Stadia. Unlike Apple, Google uses a slightly different approach here as well called “platform as a service.” In other words, the search engine giant will take care of all the processing requirements and maintenance. In this case, users need to maintain certain aspects of the data and the application on their device.
And the winner is...
Both Google Play Pass and Apple Arcade offer a great value; however, Apple’s gaming service has an edge when it comes to exclusivity, availability, and quality. In the end, choosing either one of these services depends on the device you use.
If you are into gaming, then you should go for Apple Arcade, and for the Android users, if you want to make the most out of your phone, Google Play Pass is your thing. Are you looking to subscribe to Play Pass or Apple Arcade? Do let us know in the comments.
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