The CCI has started investigating Google’s policies about gaming apps provided through the Play Store once again, citing anti-competitive practices. This is after several firms and stakeholders pinning Apple as a monopoly have accused the tech giant of monopolistic practices in the gaming industry.

What’s Under Scrutiny?

Pulpy for the probe is the Google Play Store policy that requires game applications to employ the firm’s billing system for in-app purchases, despite taking a cut of up to 30%. Key issues being examined include:

• Mandatory Billing System: According to developers, Google’s policy hinders them regarding the provision of other fences and payment methods.
• High Commission Fees: It hikes the expenses of the developers, and most of the time these costs are borne by the consumer end.
• Market Dominance: It is, however, argued that activities spearheaded by Google’s Play Store mostly act as measures that would restrain the growth of other participants in the industry.

Why It Matters

India’s gaming industry is on the rise, and the industry is expected to be worth $8.6 billion in seven years. The developers continue to defend themselves by pointing at Google as the culprit in stifling innovation and competition and reducing consumer choice. This investigation is regarded as an important measure toward achieving the aim of the creation of a level playing field.

Google’s Response

Google has come out to explain some of the policies that have been implemented in place as measures to enhance security and the provision of standard interfaces across different applications throughout its platforms, in addition to helping developers acquire clients across the globe. The company also said it is investing in India’s app ecosystem and tried to support that its policies are correct.

What Happens Next?

The CCI will carry out more extensive research and obtain information from the involved gaming firms, relevant stakeholders, as well as Google. Google, if charged guilty, could be penalised with large monetary fines and change its guidelines to conform to those of India.

This is the case that Indian regulators continue cracking down on big tech companies, as was earlier witnessed with Google in the Android market situation. Right now, developers and gamers are paying keen attention to this particular fight.