Once Banned, Epic Games Store Returns To Show Blockchain-Based Crypto Games

JAKARTA - Epic Games Store, the digital game distribution platform owned by Fortnite maker, is now receiving again a number of games that use blockchain and Web3 technology. This is a change from previous policies that banned such games on its platform. Games of this type usually use payment systems with cryptocurrencies to obtain items in NFT form.

One of the reasons for the ban is the "Adults Only" (AO) rating given by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) to several blockchain-based games. This rating was given because of the possibility of players exchanging digital currencies obtained from games for real money.

Even so, Epic Games Store recently announced exceptions for games that use blockchain and non-fungible tokens (NFT) as part of its technology. These games still have to meet the applicable standards and guidelines on the platform, including not containing pornographic, gambling, or hostility content.

Two games previously issued due to AO ratings, namely God's Unchained and Striker Manager 3, can now be downloaded again on the Epic Games Store. Immutable, game developer Gods Unchained and layer 2 service provider Ethereum, welcomed this decision. They consider it a tribute to the potential for blockchain and Web3 technology in the gaming industry.

"We are pleased with Epic Games' policy decisions, and Gods Unchained has re-entered their stores. This policy change shows that the industry recognizes the gaming experience of web3 games, and we are one step closer to adoption," Immutable said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the world's largest digital gaming distribution platform, Steam, still imposes a ban on blockchain and NFT-based games. This ban has been in effect since 2021 and has an impact on other games such as Age of Rust, Lightnite, and The Six Dragons. However, this ban does not dampen the efforts of blockchain game developers, they are still trying to launch crypto-related games on Steam in certain ways.