Google has updated its app store policy to allow the transaction of blockchain-based content, such as NFTs, within apps and games on Google Play.
This move aims to support developers in creating engaging and immersive experiences using tokenized digital assets like NFTs, Joseph Mills, Google Play’s group product manager, said on Wednesday.
As part of the policy update, Google Play will require developers to be fully transparent about apps or games that sell or allow users to earn NFTs. Developers are also prohibited from promoting “any potential earnings from playing or trading activities.”
Apps that don’t meet Google’s gambling eligibility requirements cannot accept payment from users for a chance to win assets of unknown real-world monetary value, including NFTs. For instance, developers should not offer purchases where the value of the received NFT is unclear at the time of purchase. This includes “loot boxes,” which provide randomized blockchain-based items.
These guidelines were put in place to safeguard users from potential uncertainties and prevent misleading transactions within the NFT ecosystem as Google Play seeks to maintain a fair and trusted environment for its users. The new guidelines were developed with the help of app and game developers including Mythical Games and Reddit.
“We really appreciate Google’s partnership in this collaborative effort to bring about innovation in this space and move these new economies forward. We think these new policies are steps forward for both players and developers alike and will positively impact the adoption of new technology while also protecting consumers,” said John Linden, CEO, Mythical Games.
Matt Williamson, Senior Engineering Manager at Reddit, said that Reddit believes in empowering its users through transparency and a responsible approach to blockchain-based digital content, such as its Collectible Avatars. He also mentioned that Reddit collaborated with Google to assist in updating their policy with the goal of establishing a fair environment that fosters user trust and responsible usage of blockchain technology.
Future plans for Google include working with industry partners to further improve its support of blockchain-based app experiences, such as secondary markets.
Source: mPost
