Google Play Opens Doors to Blockchain-Based Apps: What It Means for Mobile Users

Moonrock Capital
4 min readJul 13, 2023

In a bold move that signals a shift in attitude towards Web3, Google Play has recently updated its policy to allow application developers to integrate digital assets, including non-fungible tokens, into their games. This groundbreaking decision holds significant implications for both developers and mobile users. With the potential for user-owned content and unique NFT rewards, Google Play aims to create a level playing field while promoting user trust and responsible usage of blockchain technology. Let’s explore the impact of these changes, considering the growing number of mobile phone users and the popularity of mobile gaming.

Increased Transparency And User Protection

Under the updated policy, developers must be transparent with users about tokenized digital assets. The aim is to prevent newcomers from being deceived into believing that these assets can lead to massive financial gains. By enforcing guidelines that prohibit the promotion or glamorization of potential earnings from playing or trading activities, Google Play aims to safeguard users from misleading marketing tactics. Moreover, apps that do not adhere to the Real-Money Gambling, Games, and Contests policy or eligibility requirements cannot accept money for chances to win assets, including NFTs. This move adds an extra layer of protection for users and ensures fair gameplay.

Unlocking New Experiences And Loyalty Programs

The updated policy paves the way for developers to reimagine traditional games by incorporating user-owned content and leveraging NFTs to boost user loyalty. By offering unique NFT rewards, apps and games on Google Play can now provide users with enhanced experiences and incentives to remain engaged. This innovative approach aligns with the growing trend of user-centric gaming and the desire for personalized and rewarding gameplay.

Partnerships And Industry Collaboration

To implement these changes effectively, Google Play has partnered with influential companies like Reddit, which has experienced remarkable success with its Avatar NFTs. This collaboration ensures that the updated guidelines promote user trust and responsible blockchain usage. By including industry partners in the decision-making process, Google Play aims to establish a supportive ecosystem for blockchain-based applications, including the development of secondary marketplaces. Such collaborations have the potential to foster innovation and drive further advancements in the space.

Comparison To Apple’s Stance

While Google Play embraces blockchain technology and opens its doors to NFT integration, its major competitor, Apple, has taken a more cautious approach. Apple allows the listing, minting, and transfer of NFTs within apps but restricts the use of NFT ownership to unlock additional features. Additionally, Apple mandates that NFT purchases must go through its in-app payment system, limiting external links and calls to action for purchasing NFTs. The divergent approaches of Google Play and Apple highlight the varying perspectives within the industry, leaving room for Apple to potentially adjust its policies in response to Google’s evolving position.

Impact On Mobile Phone Users And Gaming

The number of people using mobile phones worldwide continues to rise rapidly. The current number of mobile phone users is 7.33 billion, which makes 91.21% of people in the world cell phone owners.

The number of mobile game players reached 3 billion in 2023. That’s an impressive statistic considering the world’s population is only 7.95 billion, of which only 6.6 billion have smartphones capable of connecting to the internet in order to play interactive mobile games.

With this increased mobile penetration, mobile gaming has become immensely popular. Google Play’s decision to allow blockchain-based apps and NFT integration opens up new avenues for developers to enhance gaming experiences and engage users in innovative ways. Users can look forward to experiencing a more immersive and rewarding gameplay environment, with unique NFT rewards serving as valuable digital assets.

Conclusion

Google Play’s updated policy represents a significant step towards embracing blockchain technology and its potential for enhancing app and gaming experiences. By providing guidelines that prioritize user trust and responsible blockchain usage, Google Play aims to create a fair and transparent ecosystem for developers and users alike. As more developers incorporate digital assets like NFTs into their apps, mobile phone users can expect to see an evolution in mobile gaming, with personalized experiences and unique NFT rewards driving increased user engagement and loyalty. The impact of these changes extends beyond Google Play, showcasing the growing importance of blockchain technology in the mobile app industry.

Who We Are

Moonrock Capital is a Blockchain Advisory and Investment Firm, incubating and accelerating early stage startups since 2019.

Website: https://www.moonrockcapital.io

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MoonrockCapital

Disclaimer: None of the information contained here constitutes an offer (or solicitation of an offer) to buy or sell any currency, product or financial instrument, to make any investment, or to participate in any particular trading strategy.

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Moonrock Capital

Moonrock Capital is a Blockchain Advisory and Investment Firm, incubating and accelerating early stage startups since 2019. https://www.moonrockcapital.io