Google Play passes one million Early Access game installs

Google has announced that the Early Access section of its Play mobile store has seen more than one million installs.

Following in the footsteps of Steam, Xbox Live and GOG, Google introduced the ability for devs to launch their still-in-development titles on Android in mid-May.

Games are filed under the dedicated ‘Early Access’ category on the Play store, with 29 apps launching in open beta alongside the initial announcement.

Users participating in the betas are encouraged to submit their thoughts to developers to guide the ongoing creation of the games.

Originally accessible by a select number of users, the Early Access collection opened up to all Android users just over a month ago, with Google Play partner manager Karolis Balciunas confirming that, since that time, Early Access titles have now seen over one million installs.

“It was an immediate hit and a validation of a clear win-win value proposition,” he said. “Early-adopter users were eager and willing to send developers actionable, private feedback in exchange for an opportunity to get their hands onto the latest exciting apps and games.

“Most importantly, the feedback was objective and candid as it did not come from their friends and family who are often afraid to hurt their feelings. In just over a month since the collection became available to all users, open beta titles have been installed over one million times and demand is only growing.”