Google is reportedly working on a new Play Store feature that could let users try paid games before purchasing them. The option was discovered during an APK teardown of the Google Play Store, suggesting that players may soon be able to access premium games for free for a limited time. This feature is expected to apply mainly to games, though a similar option for paid apps could be introduced later.
According to Android Authority, the feature appears in Google Play Store version 49.6.19-29 and is described as a “Try before you buy” option. Developers would be able to offer time-limited trials, after which users could unlock the full game by purchasing it. A line in the code also indicates that players may continue from where they left off if they decide to buy the game after the trial.
Reports suggest that each game would allow only one trial per user, with trial lengths ranging from a few minutes to several hours. If a user attempts to start another trial, the Play Store may display a message indicating that the trial has already been used.
The feature is expected to be optional for developers and could help users make more confident purchase decisions. At the same time, it may allow developers to better showcase their games and improve conversion rates on the Play Store.