Mobile games are on the rise with every year bringing in opportunities for developers to connect with new and existing players and enhance their in-app experience. After witnessing an unparalleled peak in mobile app gaming during the pandemic, that momentum is slowly rallying up again in the coming months and years, with Google taking note of it.
Projected to grow to nearly $211 billion by 2025 (Newzoo), the mobile gaming industry has continuously been shaped by new franchises, innovative experiences, and ingenious reward systems that keep users engaged while helping developers rake in big bucks. Now the Play Store looks to take one step in support of monetized mobile gaming with its recent announcement that gradually expands the markets in which real money gaming (RMG) apps are available.
So, what are real money gaming apps? As the name suggests, RMG apps involve platforms that allow players to win real money prizes by playing the game. Essentially, this encompasses online betting apps, online casinos, lotteries, and other gambling-esque experiences.
The Google Play Store has historically been strict in its RMG guidelines, carefully following local laws, restricting certain experiences, and even limiting the type of language that can be used in app listing metadata to describe the app.
However, with the growth in popularity of these apps, new markets will soon be able to enjoy the monetized gaming experiences offered through RMG apps.
To kickstart their expansion of RMG apps into new territories, Google announced additional pilots. The pilots will be launched initially in Mexico, India, and Brazil, with plans to include more in the future. This means developers who are part of the Google Play Pilot Program will be able to distribute their apps when RMG becomes available in their respective territories.
Along with the announcement of their RMG expansion, Google stated, “We will also be evolving our service fee model for RMG to reflect the value Google Play provides and to help sustain the Android and Play ecosystems”. How that looks to impact the way developers are charged for offering their services in select territories is yet to be seen.
The availability of RMG apps in new markets is an exciting chapter for developers and gamers who have been potentially waiting to experience their favorite platforms on mobile. For example, the popularity of Rummy game apps in India practically beckons for an expansion of RMG experiences without existing restrictions. While Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) apps call for the RMG acceptance across several other territories.
As we look to app store developments in 2024, it will be interesting to see how changes to Google Play policy shape the landscape in the months to come.
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