App rejected due to guideline 3.2.2

Appeal pointing out that what the reviewer said:

> 'we noticed that your app incentivizes referrals in order to sign up new users....... Incentivizing downloads has a direct influence on the App Store user reviews or chart ranking.'

is not correct because, as you wrote:

> "My code can be shared with existing players only. i.e. you must have downloaded the app first and then try to redeem the points"

But I think what you are trying to do may still be a violation of guideline 3.1.1 "If you want to unlock features or functionality within your app, (by way of example: subscriptions, in-game currencies, game levels, access to premium content, or unlocking a full version), you must use in-app purchase. Apps may not use their own mechanisms to unlock content or functionality, such as license keys, augmented reality markers, QR codes, etc.....Apps should not directly or indirectly enable gifting of in-app purchase content, features, or consumable items to others."

Thanks PBK.

I am re-submitting binry with any apparent removal to 'referral' word in the promotion code window. I will update with the outcome.

About 3.1.1, I agree. I am just wondering that plenty of other games will be in similar violations. It is strange Apple is blocking the most fundamental marketing approach and that too selectively only for a few games.

Thanks,

Mihir

My app is also rejected due to this issue.please help me

Any conclusions on this though our app does not incentivize on download of the app. But only on subscription the app is rejected with the below statement :

However by providing a bonus or reward to the referee, even if only when they subscribe to the app, we still consider this as incentivised referral and therefore not complaint.

When it comes to referrals, only the user referring should receive the bonus once that user signs up to the app.

We look forward to reviewing your resubmitted app.

Hello,

I am also facing the same issue as pasted below. Can someone clarify exactly which clause in the App Store Guidline is this violating? I reviewd the Unacceptable section but could not find anything specific to this.

Message from Apple:

We noticed that your app incentivizes referrals in order to sign up new users. While rewarding the invitation sender with points or other digital content is acceptable, the person receiving the invitation should not receive any rewards for downloading or registering an account to use your app.

Incentivizing downloads has a direct influence on the App Store user reviews or chart ranking.

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@Krrish If you're still facing issues with incentivizing referrals, you might want to look into GoMarketMe. It allows you to implement referral programs that comply with Apple's guidelines. It’s designed to ensure app promotions follow the rules without impacting rankings or reviews. Might be a solution for your MMO card game’s referral strategy.