What is the reason for not allowing games and quizzes?

[NiclasJe]

I am in the process of developing a music quiz application that integrates the Spotify API to play songs in the background, allowing players to guess the song's name and artist. Upon investigating the requirements for extended quota mode, I discovered that creating a game, including trivia quizzes, is prohibited under the Spotify guidelines:

III. Some Prohibited Applications

   2. Do not create a game, including trivia quizzes.

(https://developer.spotify.com/policy#iii-some-prohibited-applications)

What is the reason behind this restriction? Would it not benefit Spotify to allow developers to create engaging games using their API that require its users to obtain Spotify Premium?

Additionally, are there any exceptions to this rule, such as obtaining a written approval, or would you recommend alternative services that permit such integrations?

[RonnyRagge]

Hi! There is a game called Hitster which links to spotify songs. I have tried to reach out and learn how this is okay and does not conflict with their developer guidelines, but all I got as an answer was that they do not support a game like Hitster which I found peculiar.

[NiclasJe]

I think Hitster avoids this problem since it does not use the API. It takes advantage of Spotify's QR feature allowing users to open Spotify and play songs.

[NiclasJe]

I think Hitster avoids this problem since it does not use the API. It takes advantage of Spotify's QR feature allowing users to open Spotify and play songs.

[kartuva]

They use the Spotify Playback API in their app, so they are still violating the terms of service. Spotify just doesn't apply it fairly and equally I suppose.