Google Play introduces new rules. How will this impact the market?
On the evening of November 9, Google Play published new rules for Android developers, which will come into effect on the 13th. Let's analyze how these updates will affect the market.
The most significant innovation is becoming the point:
Required app testing for all new personal developer accounts
Developers who regularly use Play’s app testing tools before publishing release higher-quality apps and games, which can lead to higher ratings and more success on Google Play. In fact, apps that use our testing tools have on average 3 times the amount of app installs and user engagement compared to those that don't.
To help developers reap these benefits, developers with newly created personal Play Console accounts will soon be required to test their apps with at least 20 people for a minimum of two weeks before applying for access to production. This will allow developers to test their app, identify issues, get feedback, and ensure that everything is ready before they launch. Developers who create new personal developer accounts will start seeing this requirement in Play Console in the coming days.
Now, any developer must test their application with a minimum of 20 people for two weeks before being able to release it on the Play Market.
How does this affect developers?
- Increased Development Costs: Google wants us to seek and hire testers. If taken literally, we need to find 20 people to whom we will pay money (with testers costing a minimum of $300 per month) to check our applications. 20 * 30 = $6000 in additional expenses. If not taken literally, finding 20 voluntary testers, especially for small companies and independent developers, is quite a challenging task. Additionally, it's worth considering that a significant portion of developers are introverts and have few social connections.
- Working with Trends and Hypes: Do you work with trends and hypes? Some of them only last for a few weeks. Now, if you want to pick up on any of these themes and make money without violating Google's rules, you simply won't have the opportunity. With a 2-week testing period (and uncertainties about the moderation process afterward), the trend will decline, and people won't have the chance to use your thematic content.
- Reduced Demand for Android Applications: Alternatives, albeit less efficient but not as costly, will be sought after.
- Depreciation of iOS Development: Since many who worked with Android may shift to another platform, iOS development may become less valued.