Google Play Store gives greenlight to NFT games but lays down some ground rules

Google Play (NASDAQ: GOOGL) may be loosening its grip on non-fungible token (NFT) games on its platform after nearly three years of stifling rules.

Google Play announced via a blog post that it has updated its policy to allow users to “transact blockchain-based digital content within apps and games” on the platform. Under the new update, game developers may put up NFTs for sale, but it remains unclear if the new regime will support the secondary trading of digital collectibles.

According to Google Play, game developers are expected to clearly label whether or not their applications allow users to earn or buy tokenized assets. Furthermore, they are expected to declare when in-app products represent tokenized digital assets while being urged to abstain from glamorous promotions of their NFTs.

“And while tokenized assets are meant to build more enriched, immersive experiences, as an added user protection, developers may not promote or glamorize any potential earning from playing or trading activities,” the blog post read.

Google Play warns that developers are restricted from offering digital collectibles where the values are not spelled out at the time of purchase. This is in line with Google Play’s policy on Real-Money Gambling, Games, and Contests banning the use of money to speculate on the chances of winning assets with real-world use.

Analysts believe the new update will lead to a spike in NFT games on the app store as developers seek to increase user loyalty via NFT rewards. The development has elicited praise from several industry players, including Reddit and Mythical Games, with both entities set to release digital collectible offerings for their users.

“We really appreciate Google’s partnership in this collaborative effort to bring about innovation in this space and move these new economies forward,” Mythical Games CEO John Linden said. “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.”

Google Play drew the ire of the digital asset community back in 2020 after it took down the Bitcoin Blast application from the store for “deceptive practices.” Across the divide, NFT-themed games did not fare well in Apple’s (NASDAQ: AAPL) App Store, with developers expected to pay a 30% commission to Apple for every NFT sold.

NFTs divide the gaming community

As NFT metrics began their painful decline, several gaming publishers are ditching plans to incorporate digital collectibles in their games. Minecraft’s ban on NFTs sent shockwaves through the entire gaming community, with Rockster imposing a blanket ban on its servers.

Game distribution giant Steam announced a ban on games supporting the “issue or allow exchange of cryptocurrencies or NFT,” a move which has been described as a massive blow to their adoption rates.

However, not all gaming firms are against digital collectibles, as Steam’s competitor Epic Games has opted to pitch its tent with NFTs.

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