Can web3 games dethrone the App Store? Yes—with PWAs | Opinion

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As an analyst with extensive experience in the tech industry and a deep understanding of app store politics, I believe that the current state of app marketplaces, particularly Apple’s App Store and Google Play, poses significant challenges for developers, especially those in the crypto space. The excessive commission fees, ever-changing rules, and monopolistic practices have led to criticism and even legal action from regulatory bodies.

Apple’s App Store, formerly praised for its ease of use and availability, has faced criticism due to its suppressive impact on innovation with steep commission fees and frequently altered guidelines. These monopolistic tactics have drawn scrutiny from the US Department of Justice, resulting in a lawsuit filed in March and subsequent hearings.

Apple isn’t the sole entity under scrutiny—Google’s app marketplace is also grappling with allegations of monopolistic practices in a long-standing legal dispute with Epic Games. Due to the incompatibility between numerous app marketplaces and digital currencies, crypto applications have been adversely affected by exorbitant fees and constraints. Consequently, developers have been compelled to disable certain features or restrict functionality within their apps.

“Perhaps the answer to the challenges facing cryptocurrency app stores doesn’t involve trying to please the current marketplace leaders, but instead lies in finding a way to bypass them entirely.”

Enter progressive web apps: no app store is required

Through bypassing conventional methods for releasing apps, progressive web apps (PWAs) present developers an opportunity to regain control and expand their user base beyond the confines of the App Store. Progressive web apps are developed utilizing web technology, delivering a user experience akin to that of native applications.

Users can access a Progressive Web App (PWA) online through their browsers, whereafter they have the option to install the application onto their device’s home screen. Once installed, PWAs behave similarly to traditionally downloaded apps: they can be launched directly from the home screen of mobile devices, bypassing the need for using a web browser each time.

Developers can create progressive web apps (PWAs) that function similarly to native apps when accessed through mobile device browsers. By implementing specific techniques, these apps offer an immersive, app-like experience without requiring users to download or access them via app stores.

App distributors tighten their grip

Apple and Google face challenges with cryptocurrency integrations in their app markets, specifically functions that let users bypass conventional payment methods and decrease the influence of distributors. Consequently, such activities as peer-to-peer trading, dynamic pricing, and wallet connections are generally prohibited within these marketplaces.

As an analyst, I would put it this way: I’ve also noticed that the App Store imposes a commission fee of 27% on each transaction. Moreover, Apple does not allow any NFT utilities to function outside of their in-app purchases.

For a developer to enable links to external purchasing options, they must undergo Apple’s rigorous review process by applying for the StoreKit External Purchase Link Entitlement. Upon approval, their app will be authorized to redirect users to external purchase pages. However, with each redirection, an App Store-generated disclosure page will appear for the user to ensure transparency and compliance with Apple’s guidelines.

A way forward for web3 gaming

PWAs (Progressive Web Applications) bridge the divide between web3 gaming on the internet and mobile platforms of web2 by merging the advantages of conventional websites and app-specific software. With PWAs, users enjoy effortless access, a consistent experience across various operating systems, and an open-ended, decentralized choice that bypasses traditional app markets.

As an analyst specializing in play-to-earn gaming, I would express this idea as follows: In the realm of play-to-earn games, Progressive Web Applications (PWAs) provide a valuable alternative to traditional desktop experiences. These applications allow users to engage more freely, bypassing restrictive barriers that often hinder developers from successfully launching mobile versions of such games.

Additionally, providing complete mobile web3 gaming experiences can strengthen connections among players, boost user involvement, and enable game developers to manage their gaming environments effectively.

Busting myths and marketplace restrictions

In spite of the doubts raised by certain web developers about the feasibility of Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) in web3 gaming, many concerns regarding performance, user acquisition, and market acceptance are unwarranted. PWAs offer advantages such as integrated functionalities like Apple Pay and push notifications, ensuring smooth transactions and enhanced user engagement. Additionally, acquiring users for PWAS can be achieved through straightforward, direct methods such as social media platforms, circumventing the costly and time-consuming process of gaining exposure in app stores.

Few developers may have extensive backgrounds in creating Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), but trailblazers such as Kuroro Beasts, Sui Games, and Pixelverse within the web3 gaming sector are determined to explore this unexplored terrain and showcase the capabilities of PWAs to the public. The implementation of PWA technology will inevitably pose obstacles, yet passionate developers are ready to surmount these barriers through optimization techniques and innovative marketing approaches.

The growth of web3 gaming depends on PWAs 

It’s high time we reconsidered our mobile gaming app development strategies and delved into the unexplored capabilities of Progressive Web Apps (PWAs). Both developers and gamers can challenge restrictive app marketplace rules, paving the way for a future where decentralized innovation thrives unencumbered.

Instead of “Because it’s not just the games themselves that should reflect the core values of web3 users, but the very means by which we access them,” you could say: “The way we access web3 games is just as important as the games themselves in embodying the fundamental principles valued by users in this decentralized digital world.”

Let’s explore a realm where app creators and users can flourish unfettered by the dominance of Apple and Google.

Tomer Pascal

As a crypto investor, I’d put it this way: “I’m an investor in the cryptosphere, and one of the projects that have caught my attention is CityVerse Tycoon by OwnPlay. They specialize in creating Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), and CityVerse Tycoon is their latest game offering.”

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2024-06-15 15:16