Google Japan has launched 3 Google Play Android based games vending machines which they have announced will sell 18 different gaming titles which are a mix of free-to-play and paid-for titles.
In order to use the vending machines, customers will have to have an NFC enabled device and run Android 4.0 or higher. The user then rests their device on the tray below the screen, and NFC pairing takes care of the rest.
Engadget trialed the vending machines with an LG G2 and had no troubles choosing and downloading a free game through the machine. Engadget did note that as they downloaded their games from the machines, a unified animation would play to your Android phone of choice when the download kicks in.
The report also stated that trying out another Google app, you’ll get a ‘present’ which ‘drops’ down from the screen and into the vending tray once your download is complete, although their is no word exactly what Google app provides the present Engadget are reporting.
One interesting thing is that if you aren’t an Android user, the vending machine will offer a Nexus 4 for the user to try out, although you do have to give it back at the end of trial to one of the boiler-suited Google employees who will man the machines when they’re switched on from today Japan time.
If you happen to be heading to Japan or in Japan reading this, the machines are located in front of the Parco department store in Shibuya, Japan.
The Android game vending machines do seem to be Japan-only promotion, but I do think it is something worth while looking at experimenting and bringing the Android gaming experience to the people in a fun yet quirky way. Google Australia has already done some marketing with automated systems at Austrlian Airports earlier this year, but here’s hoping Google Australia may bring the Android game vending machines down under!
