Break Apple's rules and even $4.5M a day won't save you

I think the mixi game (grossing estimated $4.5M a day) getting pulled from the app store, is an example of how when you ignore the rules set by Apple, they pull you, regardless of revenue being generated.

I find this to be fair, treat the huge moneymakers and the independents the same. While many argue the rules are vague, I have never found them to be so. I will admit that those learnings did come at a price :)

In this case, Mixi was in violation of a couple of Apple rules, as they used 'serial codes' or better known in North America as Promo Codes. These codes violated a couple points (as there are legit ways to use promo codes)

You can not use codes:
1) To be the only method to unlock some type of content

In this case, certain characters were only available if you used a code.

2) You cannot use codes as any way of circumventing the IAP process in terms of revenue.

In this case, it's a bit more obscure, but one we have dealt with here at Atimi many times. The code, if only available when you purchase a good (lets say a breakfast cereal) and the code is inside the box, that means that the method of payment, was actually the purchase of the food item. Thus not following the rules set by Apple.

The game,  is now back up on the store, minus any code entry at all.

When can you use promo codes / serial codes?

Easy, just follow the guidelines:

• The bonus (say chips in a casino game) via the code, in no way is there a purchase attached to obtaining the code
• The codes can never be used to 'unlock' some content that is not available via a secondary means
• When in doubt, err on the side of caution

Scott Michaels

EVP, Atimi Software