Google has officially partnered with blockchain firm Dapper Labs to provide infrastructure and scaling tools for the Flow blockchain, aiming to boost Web3, blockchain gaming, and non-fungible token (NFT) technology. Dapper Labs CEO Roham Gharegozlou confirmed the news on Twitter, saying he was “amped to welcome Google to the Flow blockchain.”
Partnership Details: Google Cloud Powers Flow's Expansion
Janet Kennedy, Vice President of Google Cloud North America, told Forbes that the collaboration is “really about helping them with rapid and sustainable growth.” She noted that blockchain technology is becoming more and more mainstream, so companies like Dapper need scalable, secure infrastructure to grow their business and support their networks.
Dapper Labs is the team behind CryptoKitties, NBA Top Shot, and the Dapper Wallet, as well as the operator of the Flow blockchain—a Layer 1 network “built for the next generation of apps, games, and the digital assets that power them.” Under this partnership, Google will provide cloud services, data analytics tools, and network optimization to help Flow handle growing user and transaction volumes.
Flow's First-Year Milestones: Impressive Stats
Gharegozlou shared key metrics from Flow's mainnet launch one year ago: 2.2 million unique wallets (less than half from NBA Top Shot), 248 mainnet contracts, 18.5 million blocks, and 49.7 million transactions. Over 3,000 new developers are now building on Flow. These figures highlight Flow's rapid adoption in the NFT and gaming space.
Google's Crypto Journey: From Ad Ban to Strategic Alliance
Google's relationship with crypto has been rocky. In June 2021, the company updated its cryptocurrency advertising policy, which took effect in early August, easing restrictions on compliant exchanges. However, in July 2020, Google faced a class-action lawsuit over its 2018 ban on crypto ads, accused of harming blockchain and crypto startups. By partnering with Dapper Labs, Google is now actively supporting blockchain infrastructure, signaling a shift from caution to engagement.
Looking Ahead: Google's Impact on Flow Ecosystem
With Google's backing, the Flow blockchain is expected to gain stronger technical support and brand credibility. Following a recent partnership with Filecoin, this new alliance with Google will likely attract more mainstream games and brands to the NFT space. Analysts believe that Google's involvement will bring enterprise-level users and developers to Flow, propelling blockchain gaming and digital collectibles into a new phase of growth.