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Apple and Google and other tech companies that sell software and services through its own storefront have been taking cuts from developers for years, ranging from 15-30%, which is quite a lot especially for apps that are generating millions every month. Over the years, developers have grown increasingly discontented which resulted in various lawsuits.
Now it seems that over in South Korea, for what could be the first time ever, Google will finally allow the use of third-party payments. What this means is that if developers choose not to use Google’s own payment system for apps and in-app purchases like microtransactions in games or subscriptions, they’ll be free to use whichever payment service they prefer.
According to Google:
“We respect the decision of the National Assembly, and we are sharing some changes to respond to this new law, including giving developers that sell in-app digital goods and services the option to add an alternative in-app billing system alongside Google Play’s billing system for their users in South Korea.”
This isn’t necessarily because Google has decided to play fair, but rather it is because of a new law in South Korea which has been dubbed as the “anti-Google” law that essentially bans companies like Apple and Google from forcing developers to use their own payment system.
Developers can of course choose to keep using Google’s own payment system, but they are now free to use another platform if they want. Google does warn that using third-party systems might not offer the same protection or options as what they are offering, but at the end of the day, it’s more choices for developers.
Source: Gadgets 360
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