Mobile gaming is a booming industry that has seen exponential growth over the years. However, the success of mobile game developers is heavily dependent on app store policies. In particular, Google Play Store policies have a significant impact on developers and their ability to publish and monetise their games on the platform. In this article, we will explore the various ways in which Google Play Store policies affect mobile game developers.
It’s hardly controversial to say that Google still needs to handle the Play Store amazingly. Even when they were a constant irritation to the Play Store’s users, it still took Google 10 years to start formulating a plan to address those god-awful full-screen ads in many games and apps. This a silly example, but misinformation, impersonation, and egregious monetisation are much more severe problems. Luckily, Google has publicly listed its plans to remedy many of these issues.
Google Play Store has several policies that app developers must adhere to distributing their apps on the platform. Some of the central policies include:
Content policies
All apps must adhere to Google’s guidelines for content, which prohibit any form of hate speech, violence, sexual content, and other forms of offensive or inappropriate material.
Privacy policies
Developers must communicate how they collect, use, and share user data and get user consent where necessary.
Third parties can no longer receive sensitive user data.
We’re astonished that the policy still needed to be updated to reflect this change. After November 1st, Android users won’t be able to use what Google calls stalker ware. Sensitive data collected by an app cannot be released to a third party without the user’s express consent. As a result, apps will need to ask for this data, and we will have the option of refusing.
Safety Policies
Apps must not harm or exploit users or engage in malicious activities such as phishing or malware distribution.
More protections for children
Removing any app from the Play Store that disseminates materials that support the abuse or exploitation of children is an immediate change that has already occurred. Preventing grooming and trafficking within apps downloaded and purchased from the Play Store is undoubtedly a sensible choice. Digital media that targets children is nothing new online, but serious threats to personal safety cannot and will not be tolerated on a Google-approved website.
Monetization policies
Developers must use Google’s in-app billing system to sell virtual goods or in-app purchases, and Google takes a 30% cut of revenue generated from apps on the platform.
Technical policies
Apps must be stable, perform well, and be compatible with the latest Android operating system versions.
Intellectual property policies
Developers must respect the rights of others and not infringe on any intellectual property rights, such as copyrighted material or trademarks.
Advertising Policies
Ads must not be misleading or disruptive and follow Google’s advertising policies.
Violating any of these policies can result in removing an app from the Google Play Store. Developers are expected to monitor their apps and ensure compliance with these policies.
The Impact Of Google Playstore Policies On Mobile Game Developers
Google Playstore policies can have a significant impact on mobile game developers. These policies govern app development and distribution guidelines on the platform, and non-compliance can result in removing an app from the store.
- One of the major concerns for game developers is the revenue-sharing policy of the Playstore. Google takes a 30% cut of all revenue generated from apps on the platform, which can be a significant portion of a game developer’s income. This can make it difficult for small or independent developers to sustain their business on the platform.
- Additionally, Play store policies require all apps to adhere to strict guidelines for content and behaviour. This can limit the creative freedom of game developers, as they may have to censor some aspects of their games or risk removal from the store.
- Furthermore, the policies require all apps to be updated regularly to ensure they remain compatible with the latest Android operating system versions. This can be time-consuming and costly for game developers, especially if they must make significant game changes to comply with the policies.
While the Google Play store provides a valuable distribution channel for mobile game developers, its policies can also pose challenges for them.