Google Play Introduces Game Trials, Letting Players Test Paid Games Before Buying

The feature is initially rolling out on Android devices for a limited number of premium titles and is expected to expand in the future to Google Play Games on Windows PCs.

Try games before paying

Games that support this option will display a “Try” button on their Play Store page. When tapped, players can launch a trial session and explore the game for a limited period.

For instance, Google highlighted the survival-horror title Dredge, where players can experience up to 60 minutes of gameplay during the trial. After the time limit expires, users can choose to buy the full game or simply remove it from their device.

According to Google, the goal of the feature is to help players better understand the gameplay experience before making a purchase - something that has traditionally been common in PC and console gaming but less available on mobile platforms.

Expanding indie and PC gaming on Play

In addition to Game Trials, Google said it plans to bring more premium indie titles to the Play Store in the coming months.

Some of the upcoming games expected to arrive include Moonlight Peaks, Sledding Game, and Low-Budget Repairs.

The company has also launched a new Play Store section highlighting games optimized for Windows PCs. This area allows users to browse compatible titles, add them to wishlists, and receive alerts when prices are reduced.

Gemini-powered gaming assistant

Google is also introducing new AI-powered tools for gamers. One of them is Play Games Sidekick, an in-game overlay powered by Google Gemini.

The assistant can provide contextual tips, gameplay guidance, and other helpful information while players are in the middle of a game - eliminating the need to leave the app to search for solutions online.

For players who prefer advice from fellow gamers rather than AI, Google is also expanding its Community Posts feature. This tool lets players view discussions, tips, and strategies shared by other users directly on a game’s Play Store page.