Our Position on in-app Currencies

iPhone and Android App stores don’t allow open marketplaces for digital goods unless Apple or Google have an ownership stake in the app, like Apple Books. The price of TabletopTown Tokens translates between in-app purchases and paying creators, accounting for app store fees and allowing for in-app transactions.

We’d much rather have an open marketplace and just pay creators directly. Token based game systems are often associated with gambling industry practices intentionally designed to exploit players through addictive design.

Unfortunately, in order to have a mobile focused experience, we need to comply with App Store guidelines. A token based in-app purchase system both complies with the required policies and is something gamers are already familiar with. We are explicitly against ever integrating addictive, gambling or other malicious design strategies into our use of tokens.

Any less toxic viable alternatives for distribution in a mobile-first open marketplace for digital goods will always be seriously considered.

Any direct feedback for exploitative design patterns in our software is always encouraged.