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Google may levy service fee on real-money gaming apps

Money Control

Money Control · 2y ago

Google may levy service fee on real-money gaming apps

Google may levy service fee on real-money gaming apps that feature on its Play Store, according to its Android Developers Blog. "We will also be evolving our service fee model for real-money gaming apps...to help sustain Android and Play ecosystems," Google said. Google Play will also support more real-money gaming apps from June for users in India, Mexico and Brazil.

Related News

Real-money gaming companies brace themselves for Google fee, GST pressure

Thehindubusinessline

Thehindubusinessline · 1y ago

Real-money gaming companies brace themselves for Google fee, GST pressure

Real-money gaming companies are concerned about the 15-30% service fee charged by Google for listing their apps on the Play Store. This fee comes in addition to the already imposed 28% goods and services tax (GST) on the gaming industry. Industry experts predict that this new fee may lead to further consolidation in the market. While larger players may be able to absorb the costs, smaller companies could face difficulties. Delisting from the Play Store to avoid the commission is not an easy decision, as it would mean giving up the scale and access provided by Android. Some executives believe this may push large platforms to operate outside of Google's Play Store.

Offshore gaming apps lure users with ‘No GST’ carrot

Economic Times

Economic Times · 2y ago

Offshore gaming apps lure users with ‘No GST’ carrot

Offshore gaming apps are enticing users by advertising that bets placed on their platforms would not face any GST, following the recent notification of a 28% GST levy for real-money gaming (RMG) apps in India. These offshore apps have increased their advertising efforts on social media platforms, engaging social media influencers to promote their offerings. Several state agencies are currently investigating around 100 offshore gaming applications, which are suspected to be causing financial insecurity and routing funds through hawala and cryptocurrency channels.

Google vs startups game makes RMG platforms interested

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1y ago

Google vs startups game makes RMG platforms interested

Online real-money gaming companies in India are concerned about the impact of Google's service fees, which are set to be implemented in June. The 15-30% fee, along with a 28% goods and services tax, is seen as unsustainable for businesses in the industry. Companies are considering various options to mitigate the impact, but delisting from the Play Store, which provides access to a large mobile gaming population in India, may not be a viable solution. Critics argue that the fee is unfair for an industry still trying to establish itself and that Google should instead support growth in the sector.

Gameskraft to discontinue super app Gamezy amid Rs 21,000 crore tax demand

Economic Times

Economic Times · 2y ago

Gameskraft to discontinue super app Gamezy amid Rs 21,000 crore tax demand

Bengaluru-based online gaming company Gameskraft announced that it will phase out its super app, Gamezy, which offers real money and casual games, including ludo and card games. This decision comes after facing a potential Rs 21,000 crore goods and services tax (GST) payout. The company will focus on developing and promoting dedicated single apps like RummyPrime and LudoCulture, as it believes in providing deep category-specific experiences for players. Numerous online gaming companies have been impacted by the 28% levy on online gaming imposed by the GST Council.

Double whammy coming for already struggling real gaming companies

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1y ago

Double whammy coming for already struggling real gaming companies

Real money gaming (RMG) companies such as Dream11, Games24X7, and Mobile Premier League (MPL) will face cost pressures as Google plans to charge service fees for listing these apps on the Playstore starting July 1. This comes as a setback for these companies, who are already dealing with the impact of the increased GST rate of 28%. Gaming companies have been benefiting from Google's support, but this change will add to their challenges.

Online poker platform Spartan Poker lays off 125 people after 28% GST blow

Money Control

Money Control · 2y ago

Online poker platform Spartan Poker lays off 125 people after 28% GST blow

Spartan Poker, an online poker platform, has laid off 125 employees, constituting 40% of its workforce, allegedly due to the impact of the Indian government's 28% GST on the real-money gaming sector. This downsizing follows similar actions by companies like Mobile Premier League and Hike. Spartan Poker has not commented on the situation. The GST Council's decision to levy 28% GST on real-money games has affected the gaming industry, despite partial relief recommendations.

Google to allow real money games on play store

Inc42 · 2y ago

Google to allow real money games on play store

Google is set to continue allowing daily fantasy sports and rummy apps on its Play Store, pending approval from self-regulatory bodies, once a new regulatory framework for gaming platforms is introduced by the government. These apps are part of a pilot project initiated by Google in September 2022, which will conclude later this month. Existing apps in the pilot program will be permitted to remain on Google Play until January 15, 2024. The move provides relief to skill-based gaming companies facing challenges due to the government's 28% GST on real money games.

Google India mulls removal of some apps for not paying service fee

Reuters · 1y ago

Google India mulls removal of some apps for not paying service fee

Google announced that it will take action against 10 companies in India for not paying a service fee for using its app store platform. The tech giant may potentially de-list their apps if they fail to comply. Although Google did not disclose the names of the companies involved, previous reports indicate that Walt Disney and Match Group (the owner of Tinder) have sued Google over its policy of imposing a service fee on in-app payments in India. Google introduced this fee system after an antitrust ruling against their previous payment structure.

Google extends pilot for real money games; AIGF dubs it arbitrary, anti-competitive

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1y ago

Google extends pilot for real money games; AIGF dubs it arbitrary, anti-competitive

Google has extended its pilot program on online real money gaming, which has drawn criticism from small gaming companies. The program was launched in September 2022, allowing the distribution of Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) and Rummy apps in India. The pilot was initially set to end on June 30, 2024, but Google has decided to extend it indefinitely due to the challenges of developing a framework for real money games in countries like India that lack a licensing framework. The move has raised concerns about anti-competitive practices and the need for competition regulation.

Google India may remove BharatMatrimony, Info Edge and 8 others for non-payment.

Livemint

Livemint · 1y ago

Google India may remove BharatMatrimony, Info Edge and 8 others for non-payment.

Google is reportedly considering removing apps from 10 Indian companies, including popular matrimony apps, due to a dispute over service fee payments. The disagreement arises from Google's imposition of a service fee on in-app payments. The move could escalate tensions and has already affected the stock prices of some companies involved. Google maintains that its fees support investments in the app store and Android OS. This potential removal of apps raises concerns within the Indian startup community.

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