Altered Google Play Store Guidelines: Significant Amends to Publish RMG Games in India
Google has made significant changes to its Play Store policy, aiming to create a more inclusive environment for real-money gaming (RMG) apps in India. The update follows an antitrust probe by the Competition Commission of India (CCI), which raised concerns about competition distortion caused by Google's prior restrictions.
The revised policy will allow all developers of "permissible" RMG apps, including skill-based games, to distribute their apps on the Play Store, provided they self-declare their legality as per Indian laws. Google also plans to update its ad policies to permit advertisements for skill-based games, subject to third-party certification proving the games are not games of chance or gambling apps.
This policy change could broaden market access for a wider range of skill-based RMG apps, which had previously faced exclusion or selective onboarding. The new framework aims to reduce barriers for new RMG entrants, making Google Play a more inclusive marketplace for such apps. However, adherence to certification and compliance standards may impose additional steps for developers, potentially assuring regulatory conformity and consumer protection.
The success of this policy revision will depend on how well Google manages compliance and how effectively regulators work to ensure a balanced market. The Indian government will need to continue updating its regulatory framework to keep pace with the growth of online gaming.
If approved by the CCI, the new policy is expected to come into effect within approximately 120-150 days and could reshape the competitive landscape of RMG skill-based gaming in India. This could lead to greater consumer choice, more opportunities for developers, and potentially increased revenue for Google from a diversified app ecosystem and related advertisements.
However, the reliance on developers to self-declare their games as lawful could pose risks, especially in a market as large and diverse as India. The expansion of gaming apps may also lead to concerns about the potential for more gambling-related content on the Play Store. Additionally, the policy change may lead to market consolidation, where larger developers outpace smaller competitors.
In summary, Google's revised Play Store policy is designed to level the playing field, enabling distribution and advertising of skill-based RMG apps compliant with Indian law, addressing competition concerns, and expanding consumer choice in India’s gaming market. The long-term effects of these changes on the Indian gaming ecosystem remain uncertain, with potential benefits and challenges related to regulation and consumer protection.
Sports developers of real-money gaming (RMG) apps, focusing on skill-based games, can now distribute their apps on Google Play Store, given they self-declare their legality as per Indian laws. The updated policy also permits advertisements for such skill-based games, subject to third-party certification.
