Google Play Closed Testing Requirements for Indie Apps

What is it about?

We investigate how the new Google Play’s closed testing requirements for indie apps are reshaping the mobile app ecosystem, including the formation of new testing communities, the rise of third-party testing services, and the movement of talent between different mobile app stores and software production paradigms.

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Why is it important?

Our work uncovers the short and long-term impacts of Google Play’s new closed testing requirements on the indie app developer community. Understanding the effects of platform gatekeeping tactics is essential to help mitigate their impacts as well as inform quality assurance initiatives at other app stores and software distribution platforms.