Google announced earlier this year that it was considering revisions to its Google Play Store standards that would provide developers with clear guidelines for including NFTs in their Android games. Now, the internet titan has published new guidelines that will allow and regulate blockchain games and apps, with full implementation expected by the end of the year.
“As part of the policy update, we’re requiring that apps be transparent with users about tokenized digital assets,” Google said in a blog post announcing the news Wednesday. The new regulation would force blockchain game developers to reveal a game’s position as a blockchain game on its Google Play Store content page, much like Epic Games does on the download page for every crypto-enabled game housed on its platform.
Google allows in-app NFTs but prohibits gambling or promoting crypto
According to Google’s standards, if any in-app products in Android games have equivalent NFTs, developers must make that obvious to customers. According to an email from a Google representative, NFTs will be able to unlock in-app content regardless of where the user purchased the NFT. Notably, Apple, Google’s main mobile competitor, does not permit this. The technology company’s measured but open-minded attitude to blockchain gaming will allow developers to install NFTs and other crypto integrations—as long as they don’t violate Google’s Real-Money Gambling, Games, and Contests policy. Developers will not be permitted to “promote or glamorize” any cryptocurrency or NFT trading operations.
While Google will permit game developers to offer in-game NFTs to users, NFTs cannot be wagered, and sweepstakes are also prohibited. Any wagering or betting mechanics must comply with Google’s gambling eligibility standards. “NFTs bought by users should be consumed or used in the game to enhance a user’s experience or aid users in advancing the game,” Google’s rules read. “NFTs must not be used to wager or stake in exchange for the opportunity to win prizes of real-world monetary value (including other NFTs).”
Google clarifies gambling terms, regulates NFT bundles, and restricts mining
A Google spokesman emphasized to Decrypt that the term “stake” refers to gambling, not the traditional crypto and NFT act of staking, which allows users to “lock up” their NFTs in exchange for token payments. It looks that this functionality will not be restricted. According to the new regulation, developers will not be permitted to offer NFT “bundles” that do not expressly identify bundle contents and value.
Google also forbids any apps from mining cryptocurrency on users’ devices, an older policy that it will continue to follow. Google, on the other hand, will continue to allow apps that allow users to remotely oversee crypto mining activity on other devices, such as computer graphics cards. Google’s blockchain gaming rules will be implemented gradually. The modifications are likely to be seen “later this summer,” according to a Google representative.
Google collaborates with game developers to refine the blockchain gaming experience
For the time being, Google Play will collaborate with chosen game developers to “test and iterate the new user experience” for blockchain games, according to the spokesperson. According to the blog post, NFL Rivals producer Mythical Games and message board behemoth Reddit are two companies that are collaborating with Google to polish and evolve its NFT standards.
“We partnered with Google to help update their policy, aimed at creating a level playing field that promotes user trust, and responsible usage of blockchain technology,” Reddit Senior Engineering Manager Matt Williamson said in the post.
While Google is now working with a small group of developers, all developers will be able to create games in compliance with Google’s new crypto-gaming standards later this year. The Apple App Store, which has typically taken a more limited attitude to NFTs and crypto, is the Play Store’s main mobile app competition. NFTs may be used by developers in iOS games and apps, but Apple retains a 30% portion. Stepn’s creator, for example, offers NFTs through its iOS app, but at a higher price than through the web marketplace to offset Apple’s expenses.