Google Play Allows NFT Games Officially, Sets Requirements

Despite the volatility which the NFT market sees, Google opened the door for the NFTs and other blockchain-based digital content to thrive on its products. 

The Google Play Store announced that it has allowed video game publishers to sell NFTs on its store, according to a blog published on July 12. Google Play said its decision aims to create more engaging and immersive digital experiences with tokenized digital assets such as NFTs in light of its commitment to supporting innovation in line with protecting users. 

Google Play updated its policy to open new ways to transact blockchain-based digital content within apps and games on the store, shedding light on reimagining traditional games with user-owned content to boost user loyalty through unique NFT rewards. 

It conditioned that apps that will let users transact tokenized digital assets must declare this in Play Console, declare when in-app products represent tokenized digital assets, and not promote or glamorize any potential earning from playing or trading activities. 

It stressed that developers should not offer purchases where the value of the NFT users receive is not clear at the time of purchase – this includes offering mechanisms to receive randomized blockchain-based items from a purchase such as “loot boxes”.

In this regard, John Linden, the CEO of Mythical Games, one of the companies that helped Google Play to update its policies, said: “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.” 

It is worth mentioning that Google Play’s rival, Apple Store, imposed a 30% fee on NFTs sold through Apple’s App Store version of a game.