Google Play rolled out a new update on Wednesday in what looks like an embracement of the blockchain technology. The new update emphasizes native support for tokenised digital assets such as NFTs for applications and games on the Google Play Store.
This latest policy change comes as a positive sign for investors, artists, and other stakeholders in the blockchain space.
What the update means for users
According to a Wednesday blog post by Google Play product manager, Joseph Mills, the store now allows video game publishers to sell NFT games.
“We are pleased to share that we’re updating our policy to open new ways to transact blockchain-based digital content within apps and games on Google Play. From reimagining traditional games with user-owned content to boosting user loyalty through unique NFT rewards, we’re excited to see creative in-app experiences flourish and help developers expand their businesses.”
Recall that Google Play banned crypto mining apps from its store in 2018 and removed the Bitcoin Blast video game for “deceptive practices” in 2020. Additionally, Apple’s App Store stated in October 2022 that NFTs purchased outside of the App Store cannot offer any special benefits to users in a game, or else the game will be banned.
Additionally, NFTs sold through Apple’s App Store version of a game must pay a 30% fee to Apple.
Related post: 30% commission and more: what Apple’s new rules on NFT & crypto apps mean
These strings of developments led to a belief that mobile NFT games were under attack from the giant companies. However, this new policy from Google Play welcomes the incorporation of NFT games with Android devices, as long as some few rules are followed.
According to the blog post, app developers must state if a game allows users to earn or buy NFTs or cryptocurrencies. Also, game developers are not allowed to glamorise any potential earning from playing or trading activities:
“If an app or game sells or enables users to earn tokenized digital assets, developers must declare this clearly. And while tokenized assets are meant to build more enriched, immersive experiences, as an added user protection, developers may not promote or glamorize any potential earning from playing or trading activities.”
Google Play
Additionally, they cannot sell loot boxes or otherwise allow players to gamble. They must adhere strictly to Google Play’s Real-Money Gambling, Games, and Contests policy.
According to the post, game developers can continue to offer tokenised assets as part of the gaming experience as long as they abide by these rules.
Read also: OpenAI, owners of ChatGPT to launch AI app store
Interestingly, social networking giant, Reddit and game developer, Mythical Games, lent a helping hand to Google to overhaul the policy on NFTs in order to offer transparent and responsible engagement with blockchain-based digital content.
Google Play indicated that it will “continue to engage with developers to understand their challenges and opportunities.”
Lastly
This major policy overhaul is expected to boost user loyalty via NFT rewards and reimagine traditional games with unique user-owned content.
Technext Newsletter
Get the best of Africa’s daily tech to your inbox – first thing every morning.
Join the community now!
