Summary

The Epic Games Store has made a significant policy change by allowing games with an Adults Only rating from the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) to be listed on its storefront. However, there’s a catch – the rating must be solely due to the presence of blockchain technology. This move has sparked a noticeable divergence from its main competitor, Steam, which banned blockchain games in 2021.

The shift in policy was recently observed when two games, Gods Unchained and Striker Manager 3, were relisted on the Epic Games Store. They had been removed after receiving an Adults Only rating from the ESRB in the USA. To accommodate these games while still adhering to its content guidelines, Epic tweaked its policy on prohibited content related to blockchain technology.

Epic explicitly mentioned in its updated content guidelines that it makes an exception for products with an Adults Only rating, specifically when it is solely due to the usage of blockchain or NFT (non-fungible token) technology. However, games with this rating still need to comply with Epic’s rules on pornography, gambling, and hateful content.

The divergent approach of Epic Games Store and Valve’s Steam platform is evident. Steam banned blockchain games that involve cryptocurrency exchange or NFTs in 2021. In contrast, Epic has created a small loophole in its policies to ensure that blockchain games can still be sold on its storefront. This strategic move may provide Epic Games Store with an advantage in the evolving market of blockchain gaming and attracts developers who want to explore this emerging technology.

Overall, the Epic Games Store’s decision to welcome Adult-Only rated blockchain games aligns with its goal of embracing innovation. By allowing these games on its platform, Epic aims to attract developers and offer unique gaming experiences to its users, while still maintaining strict guidelines regarding other objectionable content.

FAQ

Q: What policy change did the Epic Games Store make?

A: The Epic Games Store now allows games with an Adults Only rating from the ESRB to be listed on its storefront, but only if the rating is solely due to the presence of blockchain technology.

Q: Why did Steam ban blockchain games?

A: Steam banned blockchain games that involve cryptocurrency exchange or NFTs in 2021.

Q: Which games were recently relisted on the Epic Games Store?

A: Gods Unchained and Striker Manager 3 were relisted on the Epic Games Store after being removed due to their Adults Only rating.

Q: What are the content guidelines for blockchain games on the Epic Games Store?

A: Games with an Adults Only rating due to blockchain or NFT technology are allowed, but they still need to comply with Epic’s rules regarding pornography, gambling, and hateful content.

Definitions

1. Blockchain technology: A decentralized system of record-keeping that uses a network of computers to verify and record transactions in a secure and transparent manner.

2. Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB): An organization that assigns age and content ratings to video games in North America.

3. Non-fungible tokens (NFTs): Unique digital assets that use blockchain technology to certify ownership and authenticity.