Google has proposed major changes to its Play Store and advertising rules in India.
The changes aim to open doors for more real-money gaming apps.
The move comes as part of an effort to resolve an ongoing antitrust case filed by local gaming platform WinZO.
Google has proposed major changes to its Play Store and advertising rules in India, which could open doors for more real-money gaming apps. The move comes as part of an effort to resolve an ongoing antitrust case filed by local gaming platform WinZO.
SurveyThe Competition Commission of India (CCI) has shared a public notice, inviting feedback on Google’s proposal. The tech giant wants to allow all real-money games that are “self-declared by developers as permissible online real-money games as per applicable laws/jurisprudence” on the Play Store.
However, developers must also provide proof from an authoritative third-party body confirming their app is a “game of skill.” Google has named industry associations like the All India Gaming Federation, E-Gaming Federation and the Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports as possible validators.
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Alongside Play Store changes, Google also plans to revise its Developer Program Policies and work on a suitable business model for real-money game developers. Developers will also be allowed to advertise real-money games, as long as they show third-party proof that their app is a game of skill.
“We’re pleased the CCI is market testing our proposed framework for real-money games (RMGs) in India,” a Google spokesperson told TechCrunch. “This development reflects our constructive discussions with the CCI and the Indian developer community along with our commitment to building a more open and safe ecosystem for RMG apps across Google Play and Google Ads.”
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If accepted, the changes could help Google earn more revenue and also support Indian developers who currently distribute apps outside the Play Store. “We look forward to continuing to work with the CCI and the wider RMG ecosystem, and are confident our proposed framework will empower Indian developers, grow the digital economy, and prioritise user safety,” Google’s spokesperson said.
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Ayushi Jain
Tech news writer by day, BGMI player by night. Combining my passion for tech and gaming to bring you the latest in both worlds. View Full Profile
