
Posted by Joseph Mills, Group Product Supervisor, Google Play
As a platform, we all the time need to assist builders carry modern concepts to life. Google Play hosts quite a lot of blockchain associated apps, and we all know that our companions are excited to develop on these choices to create extra participating and immersive digital experiences with tokenized digital belongings corresponding to NFTs. Like with any rising expertise, we should steadiness innovation with our accountability to guard customers. So, we’ve spoken with builders about responsibly supporting these alternatives whereas persevering with to supply a secure, clear, and trusted expertise for everybody.
Right now, we’re happy to share that we’re updating our coverage to open new methods to transact blockchain-based digital content material inside apps and video games on Google Play. From reimagining conventional video games with user-owned content material to boosting consumer loyalty via distinctive NFT rewards, we’re excited to see inventive in-app experiences flourish and assist builders develop their companies.
Maintaining Customers Protected Whereas Fostering Innovation
As blockchain expertise continues to evolve, sustaining consumer belief is paramount. As a part of the coverage replace, we’re requiring that apps be clear with customers about tokenized digital belongings. For instance, if an app or sport sells or allows customers to earn tokenized digital belongings, builders should declare this clearly. And whereas tokenized belongings are supposed to construct extra enriched, immersive experiences, as an added consumer safety, builders might not promote or glamorize any potential incomes from taking part in or buying and selling actions.
According to Google Play’s Actual-Cash Playing, Video games, and Contests coverage, apps that haven’t met playing eligibility necessities can’t settle for cash for an opportunity to win belongings of unknown real-world financial worth, together with NFTs. For instance, builders mustn’t provide purchases the place the worth of the NFT customers obtain will not be clear on the time of buy. This consists of, however will not be restricted to, providing mechanisms to obtain randomized blockchain-based objects from a purchase order corresponding to “loot bins”.
Unlocking Innovation Throughout the Business
Google Play succeeds when our companions succeed. These new pointers had been developed in shut session with app and sport builders and incorporates their suggestions on how we are able to proceed to help their companies.
“We actually respect Google’s partnership on this collaborative effort to result in innovation on this house and transfer these new economies ahead. We expect these new insurance policies are steps ahead for each gamers and builders alike and can positively impression the adoption of latest expertise whereas additionally defending customers.”
– John Linden, CEO, Legendary Video games
“At Reddit we consider in empowering our customers by offering transparency and a accountable strategy to blockchain-based digital content material – like our Collectible Avatars. We partnered with Google to assist replace their coverage, aimed toward making a degree taking part in area that promotes consumer belief, and accountable utilization of blockchain expertise. By setting clear pointers, we are able to make sure that our customers make knowledgeable selections whereas having fun with immersive experiences.”
– Matt Williamson, Senior Engineering Supervisor, Reddit
Trying Forward to Future Alternatives
We are going to proceed to have interaction with builders to know their challenges and alternatives — and the way we are able to finest help them in constructing sustainable companies utilizing blockchain expertise. As a subsequent step, we’re speaking to trade companions about additional enhancing our help of blockchain-based app experiences, together with in areas corresponding to secondary markets.
We’ll maintain you posted on our progress. Within the meantime, we’re excited to see how at the moment’s blockchain coverage announcement brings extra enjoyable and delight to apps and video games throughout Google Play.
For extra on the blockchain coverage and different adjustments introduced at the moment: