Vietnam: New Regulatory Hurdle for App Store Game Developers
As Vietnam imposes stricter regulations, game developers are forced to adapt. Apple is providing support amidst a backdrop of intensifying global digital regulation, signaling an era of increased control.
A New Challenge for Developers: Vietnamese Regulations
As digital content regulations tighten globally, the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) of Vietnam has introduced new rules significantly impacting video game developers on the App Store. They must now secure a license from Vietnamese authorities to keep their games available.
Apple Steps Up to Support Its Developers
In response to the new Vietnamese regulations, Apple is guiding developers through the process. The tech giant advises developers to first acquire a license from the Vietnamese authorities. They must then enter the license number and its URL in App Store Connect for the Vietnamese market and submit an update for App Review.
Apple “emphasizes the importance of following these steps” to comply with regulations and directs developers to the Broadcasting and Electronic Information Authority (ABEI) for further information.
Global Regulations on the Rise
The regulatory changes in Vietnam are part of a broader scrutiny of digital giants’ practices. Last month, the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) initiated two investigations into Apple and Google’s dominance in mobile ecosystems. These inquiries will assess the impact of their operating systems, app stores, and browsers on consumers and businesses until October 22, 2025.
Possible Alternatives on the Horizon?
Beyond regulatory actions, market players like Epic Games are offering solutions to developers. Epic aims to counter Apple’s controversial “Core Technology Fee” (CTF) by covering the cost for games in its free program for 12 months. This fee, charged at $0.50 per installation after the first million downloads, is said to “stifle competition” by critics. Epic describes this fee as “a cunning design” and seeks to help developers overcome these financial hurdles.