Play-to-Earn Blockchain Game Stepn Integrates Apple Pay Into Its Services, Introduces New In-App Currency

The aim behind this integration is to simplify the process of interacting with Web3 for the currently habitual users of Web2.

Written by Radhika Parashar, Edited by Manas Mitul | Updated: 23 May 2023 13:44 IST

Play-to-Earn Blockchain Game Stepn Integrates Apple Pay Into Its Services, Introduces New In-App Currency

Photo Credit: Medium/ Stepn

Stepn was launched in 2021 by Web3 development studio Find Satoshi Lab (FSL)

Highlights

Apple has not yet commented on the development
Apple maintains strict policy around Web3 and crypto-related apps
Stepn lets users earn rewards for physical activities like walking

Stepn, a play-to-earn blockchain game has become the first game in this category to integrate Apple Pay to its services. This integration eliminates the need for players to make a crypto wallet in order to purchase the special ‘Sneaker NFTs' by Stepn. Instead, iOS users will just be able to do so via Apple Pay. The aim behind this integration is to simplify the process of interacting with Web3 for the currently habitual users of Web2 and merge the two iterations of Internet as we know today.

Founded in 2021, Stepn allows users to buy digital sneakers as NFTs and earn rewards for engaging in physical activities like walking or running that are tracked on their smartphones.

“We have successfully integrated Apple Pay into our platform, becoming the first-ever blockchain gaming app to achieve this feat. Users can simply add their credit or debit cards to their Apple Wallet on their iPhones, ensuring a seamless payment experience. This integration signifies a pivotal step in bridging the worlds of Web2 and Web3,” the blockchain gaming company wrote in an official Medium post on May 22.

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STEPN Integrates Apple Pay :apple:

We are thrilled to announce that #STEPN is the first blockchain gaming app to secure a landmark integration with Apple Pay, breaking down the barrier to entry for Web3 :dizzy:

How it works :arrow_heading_down: [1/6] pic.twitter.com/wCeVzjLoHE
— STEPN | Public Beta Phase VI (@Stepnofficial) May 22, 2023

In order to slash the crypto requirement for NFT purchase on its app, Stepn has introduced a new in-app currency called Sparks, which is not a cryptocurrency. Apple users will be able to purchase Spark credits via Apple Pay.

With Sparks, Stepn will extract the 30 percent cut that Apple charges for in-app purchases, while also letting users buy NFTs using the Sparks currency, rather than a cryptocurrency.

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Sneakers Just a Tap Away :athletic_shoe:

Users will not need a crypto wallet to purchase #STEPN Sneaker NFTs. They can simply use Apple Pay to buy in a quick, private, and secure way.

How it works: Purchase SPARK credits with Apple Pay, 10 spark credits = 1 USDC.

[2/6]
— STEPN | Public Beta Phase VI (@Stepnofficial) May 22, 2023

“This integration opens us up to a whole new audience, making Web3 more accessible to the masses. We believe this is a momentous step towards onboarding the next 100 million users to Web3 technology,” said Yawn Rong, Co-Founder of Find Satoshi Lab (FSL), the Web3 development studio behind Stepn, commenting on the development.

As for now, Apple has not commented on or reacted to Stepn integrating Apple Pay with its services.

Presently, Apple Pay does not support cryptocurrency transactions. While crypto payments are not accepted for iPhones and other Apple products, the App Store is also resistant against supporting crypto apps. Crypto wallet apps, however, are available on the App Store.

Back in April, a California appeals court called Apple's policy of not allowing app developers to integrate third party payment methods with their services as ‘unlawful'. The court ruling is expected to bring changes to Apple's App Store payment practices and could also allow Web3 apps to add more operability to their iOS iterations.

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Further reading: Cryptocurrency, Apple, Apple Pay, iOS, Stepn, Blockchain Game, Web3, NFT

Radhika Parashar

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Radhika Parashar is a senior correspondent for Gadgets 360. She has been reporting on tech and telecom for the last three years now and will be focussing on writing about all things crypto. Besides this, she is a major sitcom nerd and often replies in Chandler Bing and Michael Scott references. For tips or queries you could reach out to her at RadhikaP@ndtv.com. More