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Attention all web3 game developers! Have you ever dreamed of captivating the hearts of over 700 million gamers, particularly in the vibrant markets of Latin America and Southeast Asia? If the answer is yes, then launching on mobile is the key to unlocking that dream.
Here’s a little fun fact: Almost 70% of the users of popular Web3 games like Axie Infinity and Thetan Arena hail from these regions. But, there’s a catch. Google and Apple app stores, especially Apple, can be quite the gatekeepers with their strict policies. A couple of weeks ago we dived into the new privacy regulations that game developers must embrace, and then there’s that pesky 30% platform tax and an often punitive refund policy that can disrupt the tokenomics of Web3 games.
Don’t worry though, our team has been in the trenches before assisting game studios with mobile publishing and we’re here to share our insider tips on how you can successfully navigate the mobile web3 gaming landscape and win the hearts of mobile gamers.
Embrace Android: Your Friendly Ally in the Region
Let’s start with Android. It’s a dominant force in these regions, owning a whopping 50–70% of the market share. Plus, their app store policy has proven to be more Web3-game-friendly. We’ve rarely seen games evicted from the Android store for allowing crypto payments, wallets, or in-game NFT purchases.
Most studios cleverly enable a Web3 payment flow using a web view for purchases. They link it to a widget-based onramp flow for top-ups or payments. Although this method might potentially violate Android’s store policies, there hasn’t been significant backlash against apps using this strategy so far.
There are also strategies in place to ensure your games remain on the Android store, like enabling web view payments only under certain conditions. And guess what? Google Play Store’s refund policy is more flexible. By setting up spending rules that make users ineligible for refunds under certain circumstances, you can reduce fraudulent refund requests.
Conquering the Apple App Store (iOS): The Art of Walking on Thin Ice
Now, onto the Apple side of things. Launching a Web3 game on the Apple platform is a tough cookie to crack. Apple has strict control over its ecosystem. However, their policies are a maze of inconsistencies, exceptions, and constant changes. Here’s the current lay of the land:
While some game studios have found workarounds using Apple’s in-app purchases, it does bring in a risk factor. Some years ago, Spotify and Netflix were pioneers in bypassing the App Store payments system, and Epic keeps fighting Apple in court. But the fact is, these are big companies with big pockets that can afford lawsuits. The matter of fact is Apple could pull the plug if it spots such tactics. But here’s a ray of hope: the latest EU directive requires Apple to allow third-party app stores on iOS. Although it’s an EU-only initiative currently and will take time to implement, this could be a game-changer that helps you bypass the 30% Apple tax.
We’re all going to make it (#WAGMI)
So there you have it, folks — the blueprint to successfully launch and profit from your web3 game on mobile. Now it’s time for you to take the reins and bring more Web3 games to the mobile world. Keep pushing the boundaries, keep innovating, and most importantly, keep gaming!
Stay tuned to our content for more insights and guides into the ever-evolving world of Web3 gaming. We’re with you every step of the way on this exciting journey. Game on!
