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Once hailed for its user-friendly interface and accessibility, Apple’s App Store has faced backlash for inhibiting innovation through high commission fees and constantly changing regulations. These monopolistic tendencies have attracted the attention of the US Department of Justice, resulting in a lawsuit against Apple in March and subsequent legal proceedings.
Not just Apple, Google’s app store is also grappling with accusations of operating unlawfully as it battles Epic Games in court. Due to the incompatibility of various app distributors’ payment systems with digital currencies, apps related to cryptocurrency have been severely impacted by the steep fees and limitations imposed by these platforms, compelling developers to either disable certain features or restrict functionalities.
Rather than attempting to appease the owners of these marketplaces, could the solution to the challenges facing crypto-related apps lie in transcending them altogether? Enter the realm of progressive web apps (PWAs), which eliminate the need for traditional app stores.
By circumventing conventional app distribution channels, PWAs empower developers to regain autonomy and connect with audiences beyond the confines of the App Store. PWAs are built using web technologies, providing a user experience akin to that of platform-specific apps. Developers can publish a PWA online, enabling users to add the application directly to their device’s home screen from a web browser. Once installed on a mobile device, PWAs can be launched from the operating system, mirroring the experience of downloading an app from an app store.
What sets PWAs apart is their ability to offer a seamless app-like experience within a mobile browser, thereby bypassing the need for app stores entirely. This disruption in the market comes at a time when traditional app distributors like Apple and Google are grappling with the integration of crypto elements within their platforms.
Apple, for instance, imposes a hefty 27% commission on every transaction, with certain restrictions on NFT utility unless purchased through in-app transactions. Developers looking to provide alternative purchasing options must navigate a complex submission process for external links, subject to scrutiny by Apple to ensure compliance with entitlement terms.
For web3 gaming, PWAs serve as a bridge between blockchain-based gaming and mobile platforms, combining the advantages of websites and apps tailored to specific platforms. They offer seamless access, a consistent user experience across operating systems, and present a decentralized alternative to traditional app marketplaces.
Despite initial skepticism surrounding the viability of PWAs for web3 gaming, concerns related to performance, user acquisition, and market reception are largely unwarranted. PWAs support features such as Apple Pay and push notifications, facilitating smooth payments and user engagement. Unlike traditional app stores, user acquisition for PWAs relies on direct channels like Facebook, sidestepping the restrictions and extensive investment typically associated with visibility in app marketplaces.
Although the adoption of PWA technology poses certain challenges, early adopters in the web3 gaming domain, including Kuroro Beasts, Sui Games, and Pixelverse, are pioneering this transition and showcasing the potential of PWAs to the wider community. While developers may face hurdles, they are equipped to surmount these obstacles through optimization and effective marketing strategies.
The future of web3 gaming hinges on the integration of PWAs, urging a reevaluation of mobile gaming app development practices to unlock immersive and inclusive digital experiences. By embracing PWAs, developers and players can push back against unfair marketplace restrictions, fostering an environment where decentralized innovation can thrive unimpeded.
It is imperative to extend our gaze beyond the dominance of Apple and Google, envisioning a landscape where app developers and users can flourish unrestricted. The ethos of web3 users should not only be reflected in the games themselves but also in the channels through which we access and engage with them.
It’s time to move beyond the duopoly of Apple and Google and pave the way for app developers and users to truly prosper in a more equitable ecosystem.
For more insights on the evolving landscape of the crypto industry:
“The crypto industry is forging ahead amid conflicting signals | Opinion”
About the Author:
Tomer Pascal, CEO of OwnPlay, is the creator of CityVerse Tycoon, a progressive web app (PWA) game.