Epic Games Store, a major player in the gaming market, recently made a notable policy change regarding blockchain games. This revision follows the recent removal of certain blockchain games from the store that were rated ‘Adults Only’ due to their Blockchain and NFT use.
Policy Change and Exemption for Blockchain Games
Since its founding in December 2018, and known for the Unreal Engine and Fortnite, the Epic games store offers a digital distribution service for PC and macOS. It contains top games, software and other digital content.
The Epic Games Store has strict restrictions for games rated ‘Adults Only’ (AO) by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). However, the store has now made an exception for blockchain games that are classified as AO solely because they use blockchain technology.
According to Epic Games Store, “The Epic Games Store will make an exception for products in cases where an AO rating was applied solely due to the use of blockchain or NFT technology. However, these products must comply with our Guidelines for Blockchain Technology.”
The policy update comes after blockchain games such as ‘Gods Unchained’ and ‘Striker Manager 3’ were removed from the Epic Games Store as they were excluded from the ESRB due to their AO ratings, according to the store’s former non-AO rated policy games.
This change shows the store’s evolving approach to these games. As Epic Games adjusts its stance on blockchain games, it reiterates its stance against “gambling,” “pornography,” and “hateful content,” which all game developers must uphold.
Updated Guidelines for Blockchain Games
Epic Games has introduced specific guidelines for blockchain games in their content policy. These guidelines outline several restrictions and requirements for publishers looking to offer their blockchain games on the store. Paid offers using blockchain technology are not allowed, and products cannot use the store’s payment mechanism.
Additionally, links to blockchain, NFT, or cryptocurrency marketplaces are prohibited on store pages. In addition, blockchain technology products cannot be made available to users in China and South Korea and cannot facilitate gambling with traditional or digital currencies. The store also reserves the right to remove products that use blockchain technology based on market actions that have a negative impact on players.
The Epic Games Store’s updated policy reflects the growing acceptance and recognition of blockchain games and their unique features. By adjusting its guidelines, the store recognizes the increasing influence and potential of blockchain technology in the digital gaming sector, while maintaining its important stance on AO content.