According to The Next Web resource, Google has allowed all developers to respond to comments and reviews of applications on Google Play.
The course on stimulating direct communication between the creators of programs and users began in June 2012, when top developers received such an opportunity. Now this option applies to all developers.
Apparently, this innovation will allow developers to respond more quickly to problems detected by users in the operation of certain programs. In addition, prompt responses to negative entries will certainly increase user confidence in developers and, perhaps, even influence their decision about buying (or not buying) a particular program.
UPDATE: Despite the fact that Google has already decided to implement this feature for all developers, it should be noted that by now it has not yet entered into force. But in the near future, any developer will be able to respond to user comments.