Google no longer labeling games with in-game purchases as free

Posted on Monday, July 21 2014 @ 11:38 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck
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Google made a pretty significant change to its Play store by making a clear distinction between games that are 100% free and "free" games that come with in-game purchases. The search giant explained it will take several measures to ensure that consumers will get a clearer picture about apps before they download them, and that it will no longer be allowing apps with in-app purchases to label themselves as free.
In an era where video games can be sold as "free-to-pay" and/or "freemium" products, it's important to know what "free" really means. A "free" game might actually cost you nothing and generate revenue purely through in-game advertising, or it might be free to download, but in-game purchases can set you back quite the hefty sum. As they say, freedom isn't free. Thankfully, Google is here to help clarify the distinction.

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Google said it would also implement guidelines for games and developers so that children would not be encouraged to buy items once in-game. Kind of makes you long for the days when kids would sneak some cash out of the parental stash to buy a phosphate from the drug store soda jerk, huh?
Source: Joystiq


About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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