Miguel Lopez The Epic Games Store, a digital storefront managed by Epic Games, has recently altered its policies to allow the inclusion of certain blockchain games on its platform. This move comes after Epic Games declared that it will accept games categorized as “Adults Only” (AO) for featuring non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and other blockchain elements.
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Reintegration of Blockchain and Web3 Games by Epic Games Store
In a notable policy shift, the Epic Games Store, a prominent digital marketplace and a creation of the developers behind Fortnite, has decided to reinstate blockchain and Web3 games. This change comes after a period of exclusion for such games.
The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has assigned an AO rating to some blockchain games, citing the potential for players to convert in-game digital currency into real-world money. Previously, the Epic Games Store had a blanket ban on all AO-rated games by the ESRB, completely barring these types of games.
Recently, however, an exception has been made for blockchain and NFT games, although these games must still adhere to existing standards, particularly regarding the exclusion of pornography, gambling, and hate speech.
This policy adjustment has resulted in the re-listing of two games, Gods Unchained and Striker Manager 3, which were previously removed due to the AO rating. Immutable, the developer behind Gods Unchained and a layer 2 Ethereum expansion, welcomed this decision as a recognition of the significance of blockchain technology in gaming.
Their statement read:
“We are gratified by the decision of Epic Games to modify their policy, leading to the re-listing of Gods Unchained on their platform. This change in policy is a positive step toward recognizing and embracing the potential of web3 gaming, marking progress towards broader acceptance.”
On the other hand, Steam, a competing digital distribution platform, maintains its prohibition on blockchain and NFT games since 2021. Despite this, developers continue to explore ways to introduce crypto-related games on this leading platform.
We invite your thoughts on the policy change by Epic Games. Please share your opinions in the comments section.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Epic Games Blockchain Policy
What is the Epic Games Store’s new policy on blockchain games?
Epic Games Store has amended its policy to allow certain blockchain games, particularly those rated “Adults Only” due to NFT and blockchain elements, back onto its platform.
Why were blockchain games initially banned from the Epic Games Store?
Blockchain games were initially banned due to a policy against games rated “Adults Only” by the ESRB, often due to the potential for real money exchange through digital currency.
What are the criteria for blockchain games to be accepted on Epic Games Store now?
Blockchain games must comply with existing guidelines, avoiding pornography, gambling, and hateful content, even though they feature blockchain and NFT elements.
How has the gaming community reacted to Epic Games Store’s policy change?
The reaction has been mixed, with some developers and gamers seeing it as a positive step towards embracing new technology, while others remain skeptical.
Has Steam, a competitor of Epic Games Store, changed its stance on blockchain games?
No, Steam still maintains its ban on blockchain and NFT games, which has been in effect since 2021.
More about Epic Games Blockchain Policy
- Epic Games Store Official Policy
- ESRB Rating Guidelines
- Blockchain Gaming Trends
- Steam’s Policy on Blockchain Games
- Gaming Community Reactions to Epic Games Store Update
7 comments
Finally, I’ve been waiting for this, blockchain games have so much potential, Epic knows what’s up!
Isn’t this a risky move for Epic? I mean, NFTs aren’t exactly stable, and what about the ethical concerns?
This is huge news!! Epic Games is paving the way for the future of gaming with blockchain integration.
Not sure how to feel about this, feels like a grab for more money rather than genuine interest in the tech.
I miss the days when gaming was simple, all this blockchain and NFT stuff is just complicating things.
Epic’s move could really shake things up in the gaming industry, wonder how Steam will respond to this…
wow, epic games really going all in with blockchain, didnt think they’d change their mind so quick!