Summary

Epic Games Store has made an exception to its content policy, allowing blockchain games rated for Adults-Only back on the PC marketplace. This change in guidelines will benefit games that incorporate blockchain or NFT technology. While other restrictions on real-life gambling, pornography, illegal content, and hateful or abusive content still remain, Epic’s more accepting stance towards blockchain tech sets it apart from its main rival, Steam.

Epic Games Store has announced an update to its Content Guidelines, which now enable games given the Adults-Only (AO) rating solely due to their utilization of blockchain or NFT tech to be listed on the platform. Games that have other content rated as Adults-Only will not be eligible for listing. The decision addresses a previous restriction that prevented certain blockchain games from appearing on the store.

Notably, Gods Unchained and Striker Manager 3 are the first games to return to the store following this policy change. Gods Unchained is a blockchain-based digital trading card game, while Striker Manager 3 is a football manager game that incorporates blockchain technology.

While Epic Games Store’s more inclusive approach towards blockchain tech is applauded, it contrasts with the standpoint taken by its main competitor, Steam. In 2021, Steam implemented a ban on all blockchain-powered games, including those utilizing real cryptocurrency or offering NFTs. This divergence in policy signifies a significant shift in the industry’s acceptance and understanding of blockchain technology and its potential for gaming experiences.

As the popularity of blockchain and NFTs in the gaming sector continues to grow, Epic Games Store’s decision to amend its content policy is a reflection of its willingness to embrace innovative and novel technologies. By allowing blockchain games rated for Adults-Only back on its platform, Epic Games Store supports the creative and technological advancements taking place within the gaming industry, providing gamers with diverse and intriguing gaming experiences.

FAQs:

1. What is the change in Epic Games Store’s content policy?

Epic Games Store has updated its Content Guidelines to allow games that incorporate blockchain or NFT technology and are rated for Adults-Only (AO) back on the platform.

2. Which games are eligible for listing under the new policy?

Only games that are rated for Adults-Only solely due to their utilization of blockchain or NFT tech will be eligible for listing.

3. Why is this change significant?

This policy change allows certain blockchain games to be listed on Epic Games Store, providing opportunities for developers and showcasing the potential of blockchain technology in the gaming industry.

4. Which games have returned to the store following this policy change?

Gods Unchained and Striker Manager 3 are the first games to return to the store after the change. Gods Unchained is a blockchain-based digital trading card game, while Striker Manager 3 incorporates blockchain technology in its gameplay as a football manager game.

5. How does Epic Games Store’s stance differ from Steam’s?

While Epic Games Store now accepts blockchain games, Steam implemented a ban on all blockchain-powered games in 2021, including those with real cryptocurrency or offering NFTs.

Definitions:

• Blockchain: A decentralized and distributed digital ledger that records transactions across multiple computers. It enables secure and transparent recording of data, including in the case of cryptocurrencies and NFTs.
• NFT (Non-Fungible Token): A unique digital asset that is stored on a blockchain. Unlike cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, NFTs cannot be exchanged for another token on a like-for-like basis, as they represent distinct items or pieces of content.