Google Play, the app store for Android devices, announced that it will allow developers to integrate blockchain-based digital assets such as non-fungible tokens (NFTs) into their apps and games.
The policy update, posted on the official Google Play blog, aims to encourage innovation and imagination while protecting users from potential risks.
Google Play says it wants to help developers bring innovative ideas to life with NFTs, such as reimagining traditional games with user-owned content or driving user engagement with unique rewards.
However, the company also emphasizes that it has a responsibility to provide a safe, transparent and reliable experience for everyone. Therefore, the policy update includes some requirements and restrictions for developers who want to use NFTs in their apps and games.
For example, developers should publicly declare whether their app or game sells or earns users tokenized digital assets and should not encourage or entice any potential gains from gaming or trading activities.
Additionally, Google Play prohibits apps that don't meet gambling eligibility requirements from accepting money for the chance to win real-world unvalued assets, including NFTs. This means that developers cannot offer mechanisms like “loot box” that give users random blockchain-based items from a purchase.
Some of the partners collaborating with Google Play on the policy update are Mythical Games, a game studio that develops NFT-powered games, and Reddit, a social media platform that has recently released its own collectible avatars based on NFTs.
Google Play has announced that it will continue to engage with developers and industry partners to understand the challenges and opportunities they face and to improve its support for blockchain-based app experiences.
However, many cryptocurrencies have recently cooperated with Google Cloud.
*Not investment advice.