The event surrounding SaruTobi marks a significant change in Apple's policy regarding cryptocurrencies and microtransactions.
Apple Approval and Return of SaruTobi
Apple has approved SaruTobi as the first iOS game to incorporate native Bitcoin microtransactions after previously banning it in 2013 due to cryptocurrency integration. This approval comes amid growing regulatory pressure, particularly from the EU's Digital Markets Act and legal rulings like Epic v. Apple. SaruTobi's return indicates Apple's adjustment to new regulatory realities that demand more options for developers.
Lightning Network Technology for Gaming
The integration of SaruTobi relies on ZBD's Lightning Network technology, which enables near-instantaneous Bitcoin transactions with minimal fees. This allows players to make payments worth just a few cents without interrupting their gaming experience. Unlike traditional in-app purchases, Bitcoin microtransactions offer unprecedented flexibility. Players can spend small amounts to retry levels or unlock power-ups, and there is a reward mechanism where players earn satoshis through gameplay.
Industry Impact and Future Prospects
André Neves, co-founder and CTO of ZBD, emphasized that this integration signifies that developers can create instant, programmable, and borderless payments. This changes the way games monetize and engage with players. The successful integration of SaruTobi may set a precedent for other Bitcoin-native applications in the App Store and could signal the beginning of broader cryptocurrency integration in mobile applications.
Apple's approval of SaruTobi represents a significant step towards cryptocurrency integration in mobile gaming. The successful use of Lightning Network technology showcases the potential of Bitcoin microtransactions to change game monetization models and player reward systems.
