Explore Google Play and Apple App Store’s comparative policies and changing landscape

The mobile gaming world is undergoing major changes with the rise of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and their integration into the gaming experience. The two major players in the mobile app market, Google Play and Apple App Store, have been taking different approaches when it comes to NFTs and crypto games. In this article, we explore the policies of these platforms, the implications for game developers, and the evolving landscape of NFTs in mobile gaming.

In a recent blog post, Google Play announced updated policies allowing video game publishers to sell NFT games on its store. “As part of the policy update, we’re requiring apps to be transparent about users’ tokenized digital assets,” Google said. The move shows Google’s willingness to explore new ways to trade blockchain-based digital content within apps and games. Developers must disclose the presence or absence of NFTs in their games and ensure transparent communication with users about tokenized assets. Google’s policy specifically prohibits the promotion of game or merch sales, and the sale of loot boxes or gambling mechanics.

The door to blockchain gaming on Android is open

The opening of Google Play to NFT and blockchain games brings significant opportunities for game developers on the Android platform. By allowing tokenized assets to enhance the user experience and enabling the reimagining of traditional games with user-owned content, Google Play aims to create an environment that fosters user loyalty. Collaboration with Web3 gaming leaders and an intent to understand the challenges and opportunities facing developers underscores Google’s commitment to the evolving blockchain gaming landscape.

“NFTs purchased by users should be consumed or used in-game to enhance the user experience or help users advance through the game,” says one of Google’s rules. opportunities (including other NFTs).”

Apple’s stricter stance

Compared with Google Play, Apple App Store has traditionally adopted stricter restrictions on NFT and encrypted games. While developers are allowed to incorporate NFTs into iOS games and apps, Apple still charges a standard 30% commission on transactions involving NFTs. This commission structure creates challenges for developers, who need to adjust NFT prices to pay Apple, which may result in higher costs for users.

The differing policies of Google Play and the Apple App Store reflect a larger divide in the mobile gaming industry over the integration of NFTs and encryption. While Google Play embraces the potential of NFTs and blockchain games, Apple maintains a more cautious stance, focusing on maintaining its commission structure and ensuring responsible use. This divergence resulted in different experiences for developers and users on the two platforms.

Google’s method

Google’s approach to measurement involves working with select game developers to test and refine the user experience of blockchain games. Collaborations with industry players such as Mythical Games and Reddit demonstrate Google’s commitment to level the playing field to promote user trust and responsible use of blockchain technology. Through iterative development, Google aims to develop policies that meet the changing needs of developers and the mobile gaming community.

lead the future

As the mobile gaming landscape continues to evolve, developers must carefully follow the policies and guidelines set forth by Google Play and the Apple App Store. The acceptance and integration of NFTs into games offers exciting possibilities, such as enhancing user experience and creating new revenue streams. However, developers must abide by platform-specific rules, ensure transparent communication, avoid gambling mechanisms, and abide by financial policies.

For players, these policy changes bring benefits as well as potential drawbacks. With Google Play’s support for NFTs, Android users can expect a plethora of blockchain games utilizing tokenized assets. This enables increased engagement, personalized experiences, and unique rewards associated with NFT ownership. On the other hand, Apple’s stricter approach may limit the NFT-based experience and affordability for iOS users.

The NFT market experienced a significant decline after reaching an all-time high in January 2022, with monthly sales plummeting 83% to only $492 million after peaking at $2.8 billion in January 2023. In contrast, the blockchain industry as a whole is showing an upward growth trend, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) expected to reach 59.9% by 2030.

Alphabet, Google’s parent company, has been aggressively investing in emerging technologies such as blockchain. Alphabet and its subsidiaries invested about $8 billion in blockchain startups between the first quarter of 2021 and the second quarter of 2022, making them the industry’s most significant corporate investor, according to the Blockchain Council.