Google's New Tool Will Allow Trial Play Before Any Game Purchase

By Juvy Garcia, Christian Post Contributor Thursday, March 17, 2016

Google announced several things during this week's Game Developers' Conference. Among these include a new way to test games on Android devices directly from search ads.

The company calls this new feature Search Trial Run Ads. It works by displaying a "Try now" button in the results every time someone looks for an Android game in Google Search. Tapping on this button will allow an interested user to play the game advertised for up to 10 minutes, which should be enough time for users to determine if they like the game enough to download it or not. Once the time limit is up, users will then be prompted to download the app from Google Play, learn more about app streaming, go back to Google Search, or send their feedback. In short, Search Trial Run Ads will allow Android smartphone users to test a game directly from search. Search Trial Run Ads will start appearing in Wi-Fi-enabled smartphones "in the next few weeks," according to Google Play Games Product Manager Morgan Dollard.

Aside from providing trial play for mobile gamers, Search Trial Run Ads is expected to drive qualified leads for game developers. While users benefit from making sure they enjoy the game before buying, developers, on the other hand, will have a more engaged audience for their mobile titles. The new feature was actually pre-announced back in December and builds on Google's App Streaming technology, according to Slash Gear.

Speaking of which, Google also shared that a new API that will allow gamers to record gameplay videos and share them on YouTube is on the way. The new API will also allow both gamers and developers to livestream games on the video sharing site.

Other game-related developments include an Indie Corner that will showcase the best of the best titles in this genre. The games will be curated by Google and appear in the new collection in Google Play Store. Independent game developers can nominate their games to the collection, but Google will decide which among the nominated games provide quality experience and "exemplary use of Google Play game services."