In a major policy shift, the Epic Games Store has announced that it will now allow blockchain games to be listed on its platform. However, there is a catch – these games must have an Adults Only (AO) rating. This decision comes after Epic re-listed two controversial games, Gods Unchained and Striker Manager 3, which were previously removed due to receiving the AO rating from the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB).
While games with the AO rating are generally not accepted on the Epic Games Store, the company has made an exception for games that specifically feature blockchain or non-fungible token (NFT) technology. However, these games will still need to abide by Epic’s guidelines, which means that they cannot promote gambling, pornography, or any form of hateful content.
Epic’s move to embrace blockchain and NFT technology comes at a time when the game industry is divided on its potential. Some view it as a lucrative revenue stream, while others see it as a solution in search of a problem. Valve, for example, took a firm stance against blockchain and banned it from its Steam platform in 2021.
In contrast, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney extended an open invitation to blockchain developers to bring their games to the Epic Games Store. In the summer of 2022, Epic started allowing NFT and Web3 games on its storefront, setting itself apart from Valve’s position on the technology.
Despite the controversy surrounding the AO rating, Epic Games is staying true to its commitment to embrace blockchain and NFTs. By allowing games with the AO rating, but with a specific focus on blockchain technology, Epic has found an effective loophole that enables it to showcase these innovative games on its platform.
As the gaming industry continues to explore the possibilities of blockchain and NFTs, Epic Games Store’s revised policy signals its willingness to adapt and support developers working with this emerging technology.
FAQ:
1. What is the major policy shift announced by the Epic Games Store?
The Epic Games Store has announced that it will now allow blockchain games to be listed on its platform.
2. What is the catch for having blockchain games listed on the Epic Games Store?
The catch is that these games must have an Adults Only (AO) rating.
3. Why were Gods Unchained and Striker Manager 3 previously removed from the Epic Games Store?
Both games were previously removed because they received the AO rating from the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB).
4. Are games with the AO rating generally accepted on the Epic Games Store?
No, games with the AO rating are generally not accepted, but an exception has been made for games that specifically feature blockchain or non-fungible token (NFT) technology.
5. What guidelines do games with the AO rating and blockchain technology need to follow on the Epic Games Store?
These games still need to abide by Epic’s guidelines, which means they cannot promote gambling, pornography, or any form of hateful content.
6. How does Epic Games’ position on blockchain and NFT technology differ from Valve?
Valve, the company behind Steam, has banned blockchain from its platform, while Epic Games has extended an invitation to blockchain developers to bring their games to the Epic Games Store.
7. What does Epic Games’ revised policy signal?
It signals Epic Games Store’s willingness to adapt and support developers working with blockchain and NFT technology.
Definitions:
- Blockchain: A decentralized digital ledger that records transactions across multiple computers or nodes.
- Non-fungible token (NFT): A unique digital asset that represents ownership or proof of authenticity, often used to represent digital artwork, collectibles, or other virtual items.
- AO rating: Adults Only rating, a rating given by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) to games that are intended for players 18 years or older due to mature content.