Google is introducing the Google Play Points rewards program in the United States, the company announced on Monday (Nov. 4), according to reports.
The program has already been launched in Japan and Korea, and millions of people have already enrolled, Google said in a blog post.
The program is free to join, and Android users can get points from eBooks, magazines, movies, games, apps and more. Participants can get discounts, credits or even donate earnings to nonprofits or charities.
“Since 2012, Google Play has been a one-stop shop to find and enjoy apps, games, movies, TV shows, and books,” said Winston Mok, product manager for Play Points. “More than 2 billion people in 190 countries use Google Play to discover new experiences … To show our appreciation, we created [Play Points to let] you earn points and rewards for the ways you already use Google Play.”
Making purchases isn’t required to earn points, as there are free featured apps and games participating. The program has weekly events, and for the launch event, there’s a triple bonus on earning points on all Google Play content. Google has also participated with a number of developers on special in-app rewards from apps like Candy Crush, Homescapes, Lords Mobile and others.
“We’re fortunate to be working with a select group of developers to offer these rewards for the U.S. launch — including Niantic, King, Electronic Arts, Playrix, Jam City, Kabam, Ludia, Kongregate, and others,” Google said in a blog post. “Users can also redeem their points for Google Play Credit, and spend it on your app or game just as they do today. Users are finding value in our initial Play Points markets, Japan and Korea, and developers there are incredibly happy with the results.”
There are four tiers of rewards: bronze, silver, gold and platinum, and each tier is reached through an accumulation of points. The platinum tier has the best rewards.
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