Google Allows Advertising for New NFT Games
On September 7, 2023, Google updated its policies to permit advertisements related to blockchain games using NFTs. Alongside this, Google outlined restrictions on crypto games involving gambling or rewards through staking.
This advertising policy update will take effect on September 15, 2023, marking the tech giant's next step in establishing a managed open approach for blockchain games and NFTs. Advertisements on Google can now promote games offering cosmetics, weapons, or other in-game items in NFT form.
Policy Contents
However, Google's updated advertising policy notes that any crypto game or NFT where players can "stake to gain a chance to win anything of value in the real world" is not permitted to advertise on Google.
Similarly, any "social casino game" granting NFTs to users is prohibited from running ads, while all "real money gambling" games are also banned from advertising on Google.
Furthermore, games allowing users to stake and lock up their tokens or NFTs to earn tokens over time are not allowed under Google's new cryptocurrency advertising policy.
Anything implementing elements that Google considers "gambling" will face additional restrictions and require companies to hold licenses or certifications for gambling applications via Google's gambling app.
Google's introduction of these new policies underscores its recognition of the distinction between games where NFTs represent in-game items, enhancing gameplay, and projects using NFTs that facilitate gambling mechanisms.
In July 2023, Google signaled its openness by allowing NFT games or blockchain games to appear on the Google Play Store, seen as a positive move to enable developers to reach mobile users. Under the new Play Store regulations, selling NFT "packs" through mechanisms like gacha or loot boxes is also prohibited.
