Google is replacing the Play Store’s Top Developers program

If you’ve spent almost any time on the Play Store, you’re likely familiar with Google’s Top Developers program.

Launched three years ago, the program was a way for Google to curate the burgeoning number of apps and games making their way to the Play Store by highlighting top tier developers. Developers that the company considered exceptional received a blue arrow next to their name to signify to Android users that their apps were a cut above whatever else was available on the Play Store at the time.

That program is now coming to an end. In an email sent to developers, Google says it will replace the Top Developers program with something new.

“After taking a look at our existing app recognition programs, the Google Play editorial team has decided to focus its efforts on recognizing high quality and innovative apps and games,” says the company. “As a first step, we will be closing the Top Developer program and removing the badging from the Play Store within 30 days. We have exciting plans to recognize more of the great apps and games you create and will be sharing updates soon.”

Google doesn’t state what will replace the Top Developers Program, nor why it made the decision to move in a different direction. That said, it’s likely the value of the badge became diminished when it became associated with companies like Facebook and Twitter.

[via]Android Police[/via]