Google’s Play Store, a hub for millions of Android users worldwide, is entering an era of Play to Earn mobile games. In a significant policy update, Google has given app developers the go-ahead to integrate digital assets, such as Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), into their games. This announcement, made by the company’s Group Product Manager, Joseph Mills, is set to revolutionize the mobile gaming landscape.
However, this shift comes with its own set of rules. Apps must be transparent about tokenized digital assets, and developers are barred from promoting or glamourizing potential earnings from gaming or trading activities. As we delve deeper into this policy change, we’ll explore its implications for players, developers, and the broader Android gaming ecosystem.
A Look Back: Google Play’s Stance on Crypto Mining Apps
In 2018, Google Play took a firm stance against crypto mining apps, purging them from its platform. Two years later, the Bitcoin Blast video game faced a similar fate, being banned for engaging in misleading practices. Meanwhile, Apple’s App Store issued a declaration in October, asserting that NFTs procured outside its platform cannot confer exclusive advantages to players within a game, or the game risks expulsion. Furthermore, a 30% commission is levied on NFTs transacted through a game version on Apple’s App Store. These moves and declarations led several industry pundits to speculate that mobile NFT games were targeted. Contrarily, Google Play’s recent policy update affirms the acceptance of these games on Android devices, provided they adhere to specific regulations.
No Glamorizing Earnings: Google Play’s Stance on NFT Games
As per the announcement, developers must explicitly indicate if their game permits users to acquire or earn NFTs or cryptocurrencies. Furthermore, developers are prohibited from exaggerating potential profits from gaming or trading activities, and they cannot facilitate gambling or sell loot boxes. Provided they comply with these stipulations, NFT games can incorporate tokenized assets into gameplay, even redefining conventional games with content owned by users. Google Play has established these guidelines in collaboration with leaders in Web3 gaming and pledges to maintain an ongoing dialogue with developers to comprehend their hurdles and prospects.
The Future of Blockchain-Based Apps: Google’s Next Steps
Google has stated that the latest guidelines related to NFT games were crafted through extensive discussions with the app and game developers, integrating their insights into how their businesses can be further bolstered. Moving forward, Google plans to sustain its engagement with developers to gain a deeper understanding of their obstacles and potential. It also plans to assist them in establishing enduring businesses leveraging blockchain technology. As a subsequent measure, Google intends to converse with industry collaborators about enhancing its backing of blockchain-centric app experiences, including aspects like secondary markets.
