Google has introduced an replace to its Play Store insurance policies, now permitting apps and video games that incorporate NFTs onto its platform. This transfer marks a continued shift within the firm’s angle in direction of blockchain-based expertise.
Beneath the brand new guidelines, video games that use tokenized belongings might want to clearly state their use of blockchain parts. In an effort to foster accountable use, Google will stop builders from glamorizing potential earnings derived from NFTs. The coverage additionally extends to banning any “loot box” mechanisms in step with their anti-gambling stance.
Reddit, which lately discovered main success with its Avatar NFTs, partnered with Google to form the coverage. “We partnered with Google to help update their policy, aimed at creating a level playing field that promotes user trust and responsible usage of blockchain technology,” stated Matt Williamson, Senior Engineering Supervisor at Reddit, in a press launch.
The coverage change follows a historical past of Google taking a tough stance in opposition to blockchain-based apps. In 2018, Google banned crypto mining apps, which stay prohibited. Extra lately, Google kicked the blockchain-based sport “Bitcoin Blast” off the Play Store in 2021.
Nonetheless, the corporate signaled a brand new course by permitting ArDrive Cellular, a decentralized information storage app, on its platform in 2022 and itemizing the blockchain sport Axie Infinity: Origins in choose markets.
Google Cloud additionally introduced an initiative in April 2023 to assist Web3 builders expedite their startups constructed on Polygon Protocols.
Compared, Apple’s App Store permits NFTs however continues to limit using NFTs to unlock content material, and various cost strategies like cryptocurrency, affirming its stance in late 2022.
Google’s transfer in direction of embracing NFTs could herald a brand new period of blockchain integration in mainstream tech, however the broader trade’s response stays to be seen.
Editor’s word: This text was written by an nft now employees member in collaboration with OpenAI’s GPT-4.
