The Epic Games Store has made a significant change to its content guidelines, allowing Adult Only (AO)-rated games on its platform if the rating is solely due to their use of blockchain or NFT technology. Unlike Steam, which has banned NFT games, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney believes that developers should have the freedom to decide how to build their games, leaving it up to users whether or not they want to engage with them.

However, this decision has led to some complications. Recently, the North American videogame rating agency, the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), assigned an AO rating to two blockchain-based games, Gods Unchained and Striker Manager 3. The rating was not due to sexual content, but rather the inclusion of “cash prizes” that could be won in-game. According to the ESRB, this element falls under the prolonged scenes of intense violence and gambling with real currency, making it eligible for an AO rating.

Following the ESRB’s decision, Epic Games removed these games from sale. However, the developers of Gods Unchained are currently working on an appeal. In the meantime, they have managed to keep the game available on the Epic Store due to the platform’s updated guidelines.

While AO-rated games are generally forbidden on the Epic Games Store, the exception is made when the rating is solely based on the usage of blockchain or NFT technology. These games must still adhere to Epic’s other content guidelines, including the prohibition of games that facilitate gambling.

The inclusion of blockchain games on major gaming platforms has raised questions about the ESRB’s rating system. Some blockchain-based games with lower ratings, such as Polker, which includes play-to-earn features, have seemingly more egregious violations of the ESRB’s policies. These discrepancies suggest that the rating system may need to be reevaluated to create a fair and consistent approach to rating blockchain games.

In summary, the Epic Games Store has updated its content guidelines to permit AO-rated games that are solely attributed to the use of blockchain or NFT technology. While this decision has sparked controversy due to inconsistencies in the ESRB’s rating system, it highlights the growing presence and importance of blockchain games in the gaming industry.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What change has the Epic Games Store made to its content guidelines?

A: The Epic Games Store has updated its guidelines to allow Adult Only (AO)-rated games on its platform if the rating is solely due to their use of blockchain or NFT technology.

Q: Why does Epic Games allow AO-rated games while Steam does not?

A: Epic Games believes that developers should have the freedom to decide how to build their games and leaves it up to users to decide whether or not they want to engage with them. Steam, on the other hand, has chosen to ban NFT games.

Q: What complications arose from this decision?

A: The North American videogame rating agency, the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), assigned an AO rating to two blockchain-based games, Gods Unchained and Striker Manager 3, due to the inclusion of “cash prizes” that could be won in-game. This led to the removal of these games from sale on the Epic Games Store.

Q: Is there an appeal process for the ESRB’s rating?

A: Yes, the developers of Gods Unchained are currently working on an appeal.

Q: Are there any other guidelines that AO-rated blockchain games must follow on the Epic Games Store?

A: Yes, these games must adhere to Epic’s other content guidelines, including the prohibition of games that facilitate gambling.

Definitions:

1. Blockchain: A decentralized and distributed system that records transactions across multiple computers. It provides a secure and transparent way to store and verify data.

2. NFT (Non-Fungible Token): A unique digital asset stored on a blockchain. NFTs can represent ownership of a specific item, such as digital art, collectibles, or virtual real estate.