Google Play allows users to earn crypto assets in apps and games

Quick Take

  • Developers can offer games and apps on Google Play for Android users that allow for the buying and earning of digital assets.

Google will now permit apps and games that allow users to buy, sell and earn digital assets like NFTs.

Hoping to support the needs and ambitions of developers, the company said Google Play, where Android smartphone users download their apps, will now allow its partners to expand the number and scale of their blockchain-based offerings.

From reimagining traditional games with user-owned content to boosting user loyalty through unique NFT rewards, we’re excited to see creative in-app experiences flourish and help developers expand their businesses,” wrote Joseph Mills, the group product manager for Google Play.

Apple has been slower when it comes to digital assets within apps

Unlike Google, Apple has been much slower and more conservative when it comes to allowing for users to earn and trade digital assets within apps functioning on it iPhone.

THE SCOOP

Keep up with the latest news, trends, charts and views on crypto and DeFi with a new biweekly newsletter from The Block's Frank Chaparro

By signing-up you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
By signing-up you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

With fraud and scamming prevalent in the world of digital assets, Mills wrote that Google will take measures to protect users.

“We’re requiring that apps be transparent with users about tokenized digital assets,” he said. “If an app or game sells or enables users to earn tokenized digital assets, developers must declare this clearly. And while tokenized assets are meant to build more enriched, immersive experiences … developers may not promote or glamorize any potential earning from playing or trading activities.”


© 2023 The Block. All Rights Reserved. This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

About Author

RT Watson is a senior reporter at The Block who covers a wide array of topics including U.S.-based companies, blockchain gaming and NFTs. Formerly covered entertainment at The Wall Street Journal, where he wrote about Disney, Netflix, Warner Bros. and the creator economy while focusing primarily on technological disruption across media. Previous to that he covered corporate, economic and political news in Brazil while at Bloomberg. RT has interviewed a diverse cast of characters including CEOs, media moguls, top influencers, politicians, blue-collar workers, drug traffickers and convicted criminals. Holds a master's degree in Digital Sociology.

Editor

To contact the editor of this story:
Nathan Crooks at
[email protected]