Gaming industry says it is ‘discriminatory’ and ‘abuse of dominance’ as pilot covers just two game formats
Gaming industry says it is ‘discriminatory’ and ‘abuse of dominance’ as pilot covers just two game formats
Google on Thursday said it will conduct a pilot program to enable distribution of Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) and Rummy apps by local developers to users in India through its application store, the Play Store.
Currently, Real Money Online Rummy and daily fantasy apps, including Dream11 and Mobile Premier League, are banned from the Google Play Store because they violate the platform’s policy on gambling. The US-headquartered giant had also pulled up popular financial services platform, Paytm, for violating its policies related to gambling after the launch of ‘Paytm Cricket League’ in 2020.
While the gaming industry welcomed the move, they termed the inclusion in just two game formats as “discriminatory” and an “abuse of dominance”.
The company has invited applications for the pilot program, which is expected to run from September 28, 2022 to September 28, 2023.
“We are constantly exploring ways for local developers to build successful businesses and deliver enjoyable experiences on Google Play. Through this pilot program, we are taking a measured approach that will help us learn and improve for our users. Will maintain a pleasant and safe experience.” A Google spokesperson said.
In addition to the Google Play Policy, Approved Developers must comply with the terms and conditions of the Pilot Program, which include the need to comply with all local laws and regulations, the ownership of the required licenses and permits, and safeguards to ensure that they are in compliance. The app is only accessible to users over the age of 18 and residing in states where the sport is not currently prohibited under local law.
All India Gaming Federation CEO Roland Landers said that this move by Google is a progressive step, but it needs to be made inclusive.
“…Games of skill are a broad category and Fantasy Gaming and Rummy are the only two game formats considered in this pilot program by Google. Poker is also considered a game of skill by several High Courts in India. Similarly, there are many developers who offer classic as well as innovative games of skill,” Mr Landers said, noting that the Google Play Store has about 95% market share of the app distribution platform in India.
Expressing similar views, Soumya Singh Rathore, co-founder of gaming platform WinZO, said that it is unfair to allow only rummy and fantasy games while closing the doors to all other skill-based games, which are cumulatively 500. Makes up a huge user base of over a million users. India.
“This is another example of arbitrary platform policies and abuse of dominance. Google should reconsider this decision as it will cost at least four times more, i.e. 300% more money, to distribute apps and platforms that are not on the Play Store versus those that are now allowed. This can create long-term market distortion in favor of an already embroiled player and discourage innovation,” she said.