In a move that emphasizes its commitment to fostering innovation while prioritizing user protection, Google has announced an update to its policy that allows for the integration of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) within apps and games on the Google Play store.

With this new development, developers now have greater flexibility to create engaging and immersive digital experiences, leveraging tokenized digital assets to enhance user loyalty and revolutionize traditional gaming paradigms. Google’s decision reflects the growing significance of blockchain technology and the increasing demand for NFTs in the digital space.

We're proud of the work we've done alongside the Google Play team in highlighting the educational and empowering benefits of web3 games by making Axie Infinity NFTs available via. the Play Store.

Congrats @GooglePlay on this landmark update to your Blockchain and NFT policies!… pic.twitter.com/786UQn1lHF
— Sky Mavis (@SkyMavisHQ) July 13, 2023

These new guidelines were developed in close consultation with app and game developers such as Mythical games, a gaming studio responsible for the development of names such as Call of Duty and Guitar Hero, as well as social media platform Reddit.

As Google embraces blockchain technology, it also prioritizes user trust and protection.

In line with Google Play’s Real-Money Gambling, Games, and Contests policy, apps that have not met gambling eligibility requirements cannot accept money for a chance to win assets of unknown real-world monetary value, including NFTs.

This includes, but is not limited to, offering mechanisms to receive randomized blockchain-based items from a purchase such as “loot boxes”.

By fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration, Google Play is positioning itself as a driving force behind the adoption and advancement of blockchain technology in the app and gaming industry.

Android Leads The Way For Blockchain Adoption

In contrast to Google’s inclusive new regulations on its Google Play Store, competitor Apple has made it almost unfeasible for developers to include their blockchain or crypto-centric applications onto its App store.

For example, NFT (Non-Fungible Token) sales on Apple apps are subject to a 30% commission rate, sometimes referred to as the “Apple Tax”.

By disallowing users to navigate from third party sites in-app, Apple is also preventing third party developers to include loopholes that allow them to circumvent the “apple tax”.

This has forced Web3 game creators such as Axie Infinity to release lite versions of their games, which shift away from its core features.

Read: Google Invests 1.5B Into Blockchain Companies

[Editor’s Note: This article does not represent financial advice. Please do your own research before investing.]

Featured Image Credit: ChainDebrief