Google Play has begun rolling out Game Trials, a feature that lets users try paid games for a limited time before deciding to buy them. The option is already appearing for some titles on the mobile version of the store and is expected to arrive soon in Google Play Games for PC.
On supported games, the app page will show a “Try” button. Selecting that option grants free access to the game for a predetermined trial period. When that time ends, players can either purchase the full game or remove it from their device.
Example: Dredge offers about 60 minutes of free play
Google used the survival horror title Dredge as an example, noting the game provides roughly 60 minutes of gameplay during its trial window before the user must choose whether to buy it.
Plans to expand indie paid games and PC support
Google said it intends to broaden the catalog of paid independent games on the Play Store over the coming months. The company also added a new section within the store dedicated to games optimized for Windows PCs, where users can add titles to a wishlist and receive notifications about promotions or discounts.
Play Games Sidekick and Community Posts
Alongside Game Trials, Google introduced Play Games Sidekick, an in-game assistant for Android powered by the Gemini AI model. Sidekick appears as an overlay during gameplay, providing tips and related information without forcing players to leave the game to search online.
For players who prefer community input, Google launched Community Posts, a feature that surfaces user-created content and discussions directly on certain game pages within the Play Store. The feature is currently available in English for selected titles.
