Vietnam’s New Gaming License Regulations: App Store Games Now Require Approval

On February 4, 2025, Apple introduced a new regulation for games listed on the Vietnamese App Store (https://developer.apple.com/news/?id=06h4gf33). Developers must now obtain a license from the Authority of Broadcasting and Electronic Information, under the Ministry of Information and Communications of Vietnam. Only after securing this license can the developers submit the license number in the App Store Connect page to publish their game.

Vietnam, as a rapidly growing market in Southeast Asia, has made significant strides in the digital entertainment sector. In particular, the gaming industry has seen increasing attention from both domestic and international game developers who view the country as a promising market. However, a major hurdle for developers is the requirement to obtain a “game license” (also referred to as an approval code) for any game they wish to publish on the App Store.

As governments around the world continue to strengthen their digital content regulations, it’s possible that other regions may follow Vietnam’s lead by imposing similar requirements for game listings. While Google Play has not yet implemented such regulations, the possibility of this becoming a trend is not out of the question, especially in cases like these:

• Increasing Global Regulatory Pressure: With growing data protection laws and stricter content oversight, more countries are demanding that digital platforms review and monitor content to ensure compliance with local laws.

• Localization Demands: As global markets become more diverse, app stores may be required to offer region-specific content. The introduction of a game license could be a way for platforms to better regulate content and ensure compliance with each country’s unique laws.

• National Sovereignty Concerns: Some regions, particularly in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, may push for such regulatory measures as a way to protect national culture and avoid content that may be deemed inappropriate or politically sensitive.

With tightening regulations and the need for localized content, game developers could find themselves increasingly constrained by traditional app store requirements. To help developers navigate these challenges, ROIBest offers an innovative solution with its Android Progressive Web App (PWA) technology.

This PWA solution provides a unique alternative to conventional app store distribution, enabling developers to bypass the need for game licenses and publish games without worrying about regulatory hurdles. Here’s why this solution stands out:

• No License Required: Unlike the Apple App Store or Google Play, with ROIBest’s Android PWA solution, developers do not need to secure a game license, which is especially beneficial for markets with strict approval requirements, like Vietnam.
• Global Distribution: PWA technology allows developers to deploy their games across multiple platforms and markets, from Vietnam to China and India, without the need for separate submissions or approval processes for each platform.
• Improved User Experience: PWAs are known for their fast loading times and high security, resulting in a smoother user experience. Games can be added directly to users’ devices with ease.
• Cost Efficiency: PWAs reduce the cost of development and maintenance. Developers can create one version of the game and distribute it across multiple platforms without needing separate builds for iOS, Android, and other platforms.

ROIBest, as the pioneer in non-removable Android apps, boasts the largest market share and user base.