In a significant policy update, Google has announced that developers can now integrate digital assets, including non-fungible tokens (NFTs), into their apps on Google Play. This move signals Google’s commitment to supporting emerging technologies and providing new opportunities for app developers. They will now be able to reimagine traditional games by incorporating user-owned content, thus enhancing user loyalty through NFT rewards.
The updated policy emphasizes transparency, urging developers to provide clear information about tokenized digital assets within their apps, thus ensuring user security. To maintain ethical practices, developers are prohibited from promoting or glamorizing potential earnings from gaming or trading activities. Additionally, apps that do not meet the gambling eligibility requirements cannot accept money for a chance to win assets of uncertain real-world value, including NFTs.
This development aligns with Google’s long-standing mission to improve blockchain-based app experiences and assist developers in building sustainable businesses using innovative technologies. As part of this commitment, Google Cloud launched a dedicated program earlier this year to support Web3 startups and projects, demonstrating the company’s dedication to fostering growth in the Web3 space.
While Google forges ahead with these advancements, its main competitor in the app marketplace, Apple, has shown relatively limited progress in the Web3 arena. In October, Apple introduced stringent updates and revisions to its App Store Review Guidelines, outlining rules for NFTs and cryptocurrencies and specifying what apps can and cannot do in relation to these digital assets.
However, Apple appears to be embracing the metaverse concept to keep up with competitors like Meta. In a recent move, Apple unveiled its highly anticipated Apple Vision Pro, the company’s first virtual reality (VR) headset, at the 2023 Worldwide Developers Conference on June 5th. The headset is slated for release in early 2024, showcasing Apple’s foray into immersive technologies.
