The Rise of NFT in the Gaming Industry: Play Store Opened Up for NFT Games

Introduction

The gaming industry has always been at the forefront of innovation and technology. As we get into more immersive gaming experiences, featuring virtual reality and highly detailed 3D environments, non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have gained significant attention and excitement.

This article will delve into the concept of NFTs in gaming industries, and the potential benefits and obstacles associated with their integration into gaming experiences.

Understanding NFTs

An NFT, also known as a non-fungible token, is a distinct digital token connected to a specific piece of digital art, music, or collectible. Utilizing a blockchain network, the NFT provides verified proof of ownership to its holder, allowing them to transfer, sell, or trade the associated asset. This groundbreaking technology enables users to possess digital assets in a manner that was previously unattainable.

NFT trading in-game items or characters is attracting a lot of players. Furthermore, entire games are now being tokenized, expanding the possibilities of ownership and exchange within the gaming ecosystem.

The Integration of NFTs Into Gaming

The utilization of NFTs in gaming apps has experienced consistent growth since their initial introduction a few years ago. Lots of NFT gaming platform development companies are emerged due to the popularity of NFTs in the gaming industry.

1. Authenticity & the uniqueness of virtual assets: NFT games bring authenticity and individuality to virtual assets as the players get NFT ownership of exclusive items that can be utilized in-game or exchanged with fellow players.
   

   This dynamic feature adds value for users, as these assets transform into digital artwork that holds significance for enthusiasts and collectors alike.



2. Customization of in-game asset: As in-game assets evolve to become more elaborate, NFTs can be employed to generate distinctive effects that enable users to personalize their avatars or game environments.
   

   This customization enhances the immersive nature of the gaming experience, having a sense of ownership and pride to players regarding their in-game assets.



3. A means of payment and NFT rewards: Integrating NFTs into gaming apps offers the advantage of using them as a form of payment for in-game purchases.
   

   In the NFT gaming platforms, Users who possess an NFT can utilize it to acquire gaming tokens or other assets within the game universe. This approach eliminates the need for third-party intermediaries and reduces transaction costs, resulting in improved monetization opportunities for developers.

   
   

   Moreover, NFTs can serve as rewards for in-game achievements or accomplishments, instilling a sense of pride and ownership in players for their well-deserved accomplishments.



4. Security & privacy: NFTs are safeguarded through cryptography and blockchain technology, enabling verification and traceability on a public ledger.
   

   Consequently, NFTs offer robust protection against fraudulent activities, theft, or replication, safeguarding the rights and identities of both players and developers.

Play Store Update on NFT Game Apps

Crypto, blockchain, and NFTs have been present on the Google Play Store for a considerable period. However, in the past two years, the Google Play Store team has taken action to remove crypto mining apps in the year 2018 and a crypto gaming app called 'Bitcoin Blast' in 2020 due to deceptive gaming practices.

On July 12th, 2023, Joseph Mills, the product manager of Google PlayStore, confirmed that Google Play has implemented an updated policy for crypto NFT applications.

Source: Mishal Rahman

As per the announcement, developers are required to explicitly disclose if their game enables users to earn or buy NFTs or cryptocurrencies. Furthermore, game developers are prohibited from promoting potential earnings from in-game activities or merchandise, and they cannot sell loot boxes or facilitate gambling for players.

However, if developers follow these guidelines, they are allowed to incorporate NFT tokenized assets into the gaming experience, including the innovative concept of user-owned content in traditional games, as stated in the post.

If you lack sufficient knowledge about NFT games, it's advisable to choose an NFT game development company that aligns with your preferences and follows all the guidelines.

The Impact of NFT Gaming Apps on the Play Store

Google's decision to enable developers to broaden the utilization of Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) by permitting the NFT games on Play Store has created a realm of fresh possibilities for both game developers and Players.

Are NFTs Gambling?

The question of whether NFTs can be considered a form of gambling is a complex matter and subject to varying perspectives. Some argue that certain elements of NFTs, such as the speculation and trading of digital assets on NFT trading platforms, with the hope of their value appreciation over time, seem resemblances to speculative investment activities that can be associated with gambling.

However, it's essential to understand that not all NFTs are inherently linked to gambling. The main purpose of NFTs is to establish ownership and verify the authenticity of digital assets on the blockchain. Although certain NFT gambling is happening, as NFT collections are used as rewards in online casinos, the concept of NFTs itself is not solely centered around gambling.

In conclusion, NFTs have a broader scope than just gambling, as they have demonstrated utility and application in diverse sectors such as art, gaming, and collectibles. NFTs have been instrumental in ensuring artist royalties, offering distinct gaming experiences, and facilitating the exchange of virtual assets. 

The primary objective of NFTs is to establish a decentralized and verifiable system for owning and trading digital assets. 

Determining whether a particular NFT project includes gambling elements or not is determined by examining them on a case-by-case basis.

Related - GameFi: Crypto Games and Play to Earn

Challenges of Integrating NFTs Into Gaming

As the use of NFT Technology in gaming apps continues to rise, developers must be mindful of certain challenges associated with integrating such tokens. These challenges include:

Future Prediction of NFTs In Gaming

Kagan estimates that publishers made $3.64 billion in revenue from non-fungible tokens connected to items for use inside of video games in 2022, and expected that figure to grow at a 33.5.% compound annual growth rate through 2027 to $15.46 billion as more games with NFT mechanics come to market and attract a wider player base.

Source: In-game NFTs forecast to grow into $15B market by 2027

Conclusion

The advent of NFTs within gaming apps has granted game developers a wide array of opportunities to capitalize on this technology. By integrating NFTs, developers can not only generate fresh revenue streams but also curate extraordinary in-game experiences and artistic creations that were previously unimaginable. Additionally, they can explore innovative financing models that reshape traditional monetization approaches. The introduction of NFTs paves the way for unlocking novel dimensions of in-game monetization, opening up a world of limitless possibilities and uncharted potential.

Integrating NFTs into gaming apps requires a delicate equilibrium of innovation, management, and legality. While widespread adoption of NFTs in the gaming industry may not happen immediately, the prospects ahead are encouraging. NFTs have the potential to bridge the gap and enable genuine ownership and liquidity for digital assets, bringing us closer to completing the puzzle.