The South Korean government has requested that play-to-earn games be removed from Apple and Google’s app stores. The East Asian nation’s government is now looking into the play-to-earn concept and related applications as part of its efforts to chalk out additional regulations for the crypto industry.
According to local media reports, not only did the South Korean government urge both Apple and Google to remove play-to-earn games from their respective app stores, but it also demanded that the two tech companies do not let any “money-making games” make it to the stores until further findings have been carried out. The authorities are reportedly also examining blockchain games.
The country’s committee for game management from the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism addressed letters to certain operators prohibiting the distribution of these games. The regulators want to implement the block by making impossible the app registration in the first place, which is why they have approached Apple and Google.
While the games in question still have a chance at getting released because the ban is not a blanket one, they must first go through a rating process by the Game Management Committee. The committee will consider factors such as the age rating. Over a dozen blockchain games have already been declassified by the Game Committee this year.
Play-to-earn (P2E) games are incredibly popular right now, and have been growing in popularity since the beginning of 2021. These games, which allow players to earn money for their in-game activities, have a strong presence in Asia. According to reports, these games have made some players considerably rich, earning them attention from governments.
The South Korean government’s current bid to shut down play-to-earn games is just another attempt by the authorities to exert control over the crypto market. The democratic republic has been following a stringent policy in its dealing with anything having to do with cryptocurrency.
South Korea has taken a number of steps, including instituting a taxation structure, prohibiting the use of privacy coins, and requiring exchanges to obtain government accreditation. Lawmakers have not fought shy of enacting harsh punitive measures when necessary, and this may not end soon.
Crypto fans in the country anticipate a backlash against the removal of play-to-earn games, but it appears improbable that the government will reverse course.