Katherine Daly December 22nd, 2023 – 2:33 PM

Epic Games has updated its policy on Adults Only rated games. This will affect the availability of these games on the Epic Games store.

📣 Heads up: Gods Unchained and Striker Manager 3 have returned to the Store after a change in our content policy regarding ratings for blockchain-based games. Learn more: https://t.co/RQGGzWGeG8

— Epic Games Store (@EpicGames) December 19, 2023

Despite the recent changes, the prohibition on gambling persists for most video games rated by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). Notably, there’s a significant adjustment exempting blockchain games rated as Adult Only (AO) if the rating is linked to their use of controversial technology. This nuanced revision seeks to strike a balance between imposing restrictions and recognizing instances where content may warrant special consideration.

Although blockchain games, as a whole, have long been permitted on the Epic Games Store, certain titles incorporating the controversial technology in concepts like NFTs face restrictions due to an Epic Games Store policy targeting games rated Adults-Only by the US Entertainment Software Rating Board. While this rating typically flags games with extreme violence or sexual content, it’s also applied to games based on their utilization of blockchain technology.

During the summer of 2022, Epic made a groundbreaking decision by embracing the presence of NFTs within its storefront, a move that starkly contrasted with Valve’s steadfast opposition to this emerging technology. Despite the scrutiny that accompanied this decision, Epic has remained steadfast in fulfilling its commitment to innovation and user engagement.

Demonstrating this commitment, Epic recently re-listed two noteworthy games, Gods Unchained and Striker Manager 3, both of which had been temporarily removed from the platform following the issuance of AO (Adults Only) ratings by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). This adjustment by Epic reflects the company’s responsiveness to evolving industry dynamics, signaling a dynamic approach to content curation and platform policies.

Allegedly, there has been a 2000% growth in blockchain gaming activity in 2022 compared to the previous year, despite challenging micro and macroeconomic conditions. This growth has led to an investment of over $2.5 billion. Companies such as Sky Mavis have recognized the potential market for assets associated with any given game.