Need virtual currency giveaway advice

Question

vl86 OP

Created Jan ’24

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Hey everyone,

I'm currently developing an app for the Apple App Store for the first time and I'm having trouble finding specific information about a virtual currency use case. Despite going through extensive documentation, I haven't been able to find the answers I need.

In my app, I'm implementing a freemium model where users can purchase virtual currency to unlock specific power-ups (it's a game app). I would like to give users some free virtual currency occasionally for promotional purposes, such as after their first game or if they haven't used the app for a certain period. Additionally, I'm interested in generating coupon codes on my own and sharing them online. When users enter these codes in the app, I want to award them a specific amount of virtual currency without requiring them to go through the purchase process.

My question is: is it allowed to give away virtual currency in such a way?

Thanks a lot!

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Answer 1

darkpaw OP

Jan ’24

The Simpsons: Tapped Out game uses donuts as the in-game currency. You can either buy them via an in-app purchase, or you perform tasks and win them - no purchase necessary. Also, there are parts within the game where you can uncover free donuts.

There have also been issues in the game with the servers occasionally going down, and the developers giving away free donuts as an apology.

So, I'd say you're fine with giving away an in-game currency without someone purchasing it, even if you were to give away a code externally that unlocks something within the game. it's not a purchase, so doesn't need to go through the purchase process.

The only thing I would say is that the coupon code should not be gained as a result of any payment made externally. You can't charge someone for a coupon code that gives the buyer in-game currency because that purchase should've been an in-app purchase.

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