Seven South Korean game-related groups, including the Korea Game Industry Association, welcomed Google's policy to cut app market fees and allow external payments, and urged an early rollout in Korea.

On March 6, the Game Culture Foundation, Gamein Foundation, Korea Game Developers Association, Korea Game Industry Association, Korea Mobile Game Association, Korea Artificial Intelligence Game Association and Korea e-Sports Association issued a joint statement on a Play Store policy overhaul Google announced on March 4 local time.

They said they expect a meaningful improvement in developers’ profitability as in-app payment fees fall to 20 to 25 percent from 30 percent. They said the secured funds would be reinvested in producing new game content and improving service quality, creating a virtuous cycle.

They said allowing third-party payment systems, providing external web payment links and simplifying installation of external app markets would ease platform monopoly and promote fair market competition. They said developers would be able to choose payment models best suited to their businesses, while users would have access to a wider range of reasonably priced payment options.

The groups gave a positive assessment of Google's policy overhaul but also expressed disappointment. They pointed to differentiated fee rates for new and existing members, and said the benefits should be provided to all game companies and users without distinction.

They said the rollout planned for Korea in December was “a somewhat long time to wait”, and urged responsible execution so that fee cuts can be realised domestically as soon as possible.

They also said they hope the announcement does not end as a one-off measure and said they expect other platforms, including Apple, to join. They also asked the National Assembly and the government to provide legal, institutional and administrative support so that the change can bear fruit.

The groups said, “We hope Google’s policy overhaul will serve as an opportunity to build a true partnership between platforms and developers.” They added, “We will continue to do our best to bring enjoyment to users around the world with creative and innovative content and to elevate the stature of South Korea’s game industry.”