Gaming
India’s Competition Commission Investigates Google’s Real-Money Gaming Policies
With the Competition Commission of India (CCI) launching an investigation into Google’s restrictive policies on real-money gaming (RMG) applications, India’s digital gaming industry is witnessing a regulatory showdown. The incident came to light when a leading Indian gaming platform, WinZO, accused Google of discriminatory policies favoring a few gaming apps while excluding others.
These developments have added to the regulatory challenges Google has faced in India. Earlier, the company was penalized for abusing its dominance in the Android ecosystem by enforcing restrictive policies that favored its own services over competitors.
. In 2022, the European Commission fined Google €4.34 billion ($5 billion) for favoring its search engine and Play Store ecosystem.
. In 2021, South Korea’s Fair Trade Commission fined Google $177 million for anti-competitive Play Store policies.
All About Google’s Gaming App Policy and WinZO’s Complaint
The controversy traces its roots to 2022 when Google revised its gaming app policy and permitted a few RMG apps, mainly fantasy sports and rummy, on its Play Store. However, WinZO’s app, which offers a wide range of games like carrom, puzzles, and racing, was excluded. As a result, the company argued how Google’s selective acceptance has generated a two-tier system that favors some developers while disapproving others.
As per the CCI order, “By granting preferential treatment to select app categories, Google effectively creates a two-tier market where some developers are accorded superior access and visibility while others are discriminated against and thus, left with a competitive disadvantage.” The regulator also stated that Google may have violated Sections 4(2)(a)(i), 4(2)(b), and 4(2)(c) of India’s Competition Act and a detailed investigation was required to look through the issue.
Moreover, WinZO went on to criticize Google for what it calls an “unreasonable and restrictive” approach due to which developers are forced to distribute their apps outside the Play Store through direct downloads via the sideloading method. The company further alleged that when users attempt to make payments, Google begins flagging the platform as risky, thereby warding off potential players.
Regulatory and Market Implications
India’s online gaming industry is at a critical juncture as regulatory uncertainty has clouded its rapid expansion. Despite the Indian government actively working on new regulations introduced in 2023 and 2024, challenges remain.
. India’s gaming market is projected to grow from $3.7 billion in FY24 to $9.8 billion by FY29, reflecting a 20% CAGR, according to a 1Lattice report.
The introduction of 28% GST on gaming transactions in 2023 has added further strain to the industry, significantly impacting revenue streams for major gaming firms.
. Reports indicate that leading gaming companies like Dream11 and MPL have experienced revenue declines of 20-30% in FY24-25, driven by the increased tax burden
With both taxation and Google’s restrictions in play, many RMG platforms now struggle to scale their operations in India, leading to slower innovation, investor uncertainty, and a shift toward offshore markets.
Case Study of Alternative Strategies
As regulatory and platform restrictions tighten, many emerging gaming platforms are adopting alternative distribution strategies to circumvent Google Play’s limitations. Brands like Parimatch and other web-based new casinos bypass these restrictions by offering direct APK downloads while leveraging influencer marketing on platforms like Telegram and YouTube to engage Indian players effectively.
Following this approach helps gaming companies to maintain user engagement without relying on Google’s ecosystem. These methods involve distributing APK files directly through their websites, which allows them to avoid Play Store commissions and restrictions on payment processing. Additionally, they can also seek influencer-driven marketing that helps build trust and visibility in a market where digital word-of-mouth plays a crucial role.
Another emerging trend is the development of web-based gaming platforms. Here, games run directly in browsers without requiring a Play Store listing, providing a seamless user experience while bypassing App Store policies altogether.
Next Steps to Watch for in the Investigation
If the CCI enforces regulatory action against Google, it could reshape India’s digital gaming landscape with fair competition and greater accessibility for gaming platforms. Meanwhile, the industry’s swift adaptation to alternative distribution strategies signals that Indian gaming firms are ready to challenge the status quo-whether through legal battles or innovative market approaches.
Simultaneously, we see several gaming platforms already adapting to the situation by utilizing alternative distribution models, exploiting influencer networks, and investing in direct user acquisition strategies.
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Gaming
Nodwin Gaming partners with Runestone for esports data and integrity solutions
South Asian esports leader joins forces with Czech tech firm to enhance tournament operations.
MUMBAI: Nodwin Gaming has just levelled up its game by bringing in a specialist to keep the scoreboard honest and the fans fully engaged. The leading South Asian esports and gaming company has announced a strategic partnership with Runestone, a Prague-headquartered esports technology firm specialising in real-time data and engagement solutions for tournament organisers and publishers.
The collaboration aims to strengthen competitive integrity, improve operational oversight, and deliver more interactive viewing experiences across Nodwin’s properties. It will initially focus on the Nodwin Clutch Series for Counter-Strike 2, a Tier 2 tournament that provides emerging teams with consistent competitive opportunities and helps build the talent pipeline.
The latest edition of the series recently concluded with Big defeating ECSTATIC 2–1 in the grand final of the $50,000 online event.
Nodwin Gaming chief business officer at MENA and global head of data monetization Teemu Koski said, “Integrity and transparency are fundamental to sustainable esports ecosystems, especially in Tier 2 competition where the next generation of talent emerges. Runestone’s expertise complements our experience in building scalable esports IPs.”
Runestone head of partnerships Michael Schwartz added, “Nodwin Gaming has built one of the most dynamic esports ecosystems across emerging markets. We’re thrilled to collaborate on supporting tournaments with greater transparency, deeper fan interaction, and scalable tools.”
Both companies are exploring opportunities to extend the partnership across additional titles, including mobile-first competitive ecosystems, and to develop new products for publishers, tournament operators, and event promoters.
In the rapidly growing world of esports, where fair play and fan excitement are equally crucial, Nodwin Gaming and Runestone are teaming up to ensure every match is not only competitive but also transparent and engaging. This alliance could well become a game-changer for Tier 2 tournaments across South Asia and beyond.
