In an interesting turn of events, Google Play Store, as stated in recent blog post, has signaled a slight relaxation in its tough stance on blockchain-based apps. It’s certainly true that they have taken significant steps to optimize their approach. In 2018, they banned crypto mining apps citing energy concerns, and just two years later, removed the Bitcoin Blast video game for deceptive practices. As with most breakthrough technologies however, there is often a silver lining.
The Google Play team has officially given the green light to video game publishers to sell games featuring nonfungible token (NFT) integrated rewards on its store. This move has been seen as a sign of acceptance of new technology. The notion of boosting user loyalty through unique rewards seems almost irresistible, however there are caveats to this transformation.
On one hand, the integration of tokenized assets in the gaming experience allows for a new layer of player ownership over in-game content. The gambling aspect of loot boxes, however, presents a stark counterpoint. Developers are not allowed to glamorize potential monetary earnings from playing or trading activities, nor allow loot boxes for players to gamble with. The strict guidelines suggest a thoughtful approach that is trying to protect users.
Apple, however, has itself imposed a similar policy. NFTs sold through Apple’s App Store must pay a 30% fee to Apple and any NFT purchased outside the App Store cannot offer special benefits within the game. These restrictions, on Apple and Google platforms, at first appeared to be an attack on mobile NFT games, instilling uncertainty and hesitation amongst developers and supporters.
As long as developers comply with the newly issued guidelines, Google Play is willing to facilitate these transactions. This likely will stir up a conversation on the boundary between gaming and gambling. After all, criticisms over paid loot boxes and gacha mechanics in games are not new issues. As more developers and users begin to experiment with this model, we might experience a shift in the gaming landscape.
Crypto enthusiasts will certainly be paying close attention to how regulators approach this area of integration. As it stands, blockchain technology continually evokes both fascination and skepticism, and its future within the video game industry is no exception.
Source: Cointelegraph
