Epic Games Store, a major player in the gaming marketplace, has recently made a noteworthy policy change concerning blockchain games. This revision follows the recent removal of certain blockchain games from the store.
Policy Change and Exemption for Blockchain Games
Since its inception in December 2018, and known for the Unreal Engine and Fortnite, the Epic Games Store provides a digital distribution service for PC and macOS. It features top games, software, and other digital content.
The Epic Games Store has strict restrictions on games rated “Adults Only” (AO) by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). However, the store has now made an exception for blockchain games classified as AO solely because they use blockchain technology.
According to Epic Games Store, “The Epic Games Store makes an exception for products in cases where an AO rating was applied solely due to the usage of blockchain or NFT technology. However, these products must comply with our Blockchain Technology Guidelines.”
The policy update comes after blockchain games such as ‘Gods Unchained‘ and ‘Striker Manager 3’ were removed from the Epic Games Store, having been excluded for their AO ratings from the ESRB, as per the store’s former no AO-rated games policy.
This change shows the store’s evolving approach to these games. While adapting its stance on blockchain games, Epic Games reaffirms its stance against ‘gambling,’ ‘pornography,’ and ‘hateful content,’ which all game developers are required to uphold.
Updated Guidelines for Blockchain Games
Epic Games has introduced specific guidelines for blockchain games in their content policy. These guidelines outline various restrictions and requirements for publishers looking to feature their blockchain games on the store. Paid offers leveraging blockchain technology are not allowed, and products cannot use the store’s payment mechanism.
Furthermore, links to blockchain, NFT, or cryptocurrency marketplaces are prohibited on store pages. Additionally, blockchain technology products cannot be made available to users in China and South Korea and must not facilitate gambling with traditional or digital currency. The store also reserves the right to remove products leveraging blockchain technology based on market actions that negatively impact players.
The updated policy by the Epic Games Store reflects the growing acceptance and recognition of blockchain games and their unique characteristics. By adapting its guidelines, the store acknowledges blockchain technology’s increasing influence and potential in the digital gaming sector while also maintaining its important stance on AO content.
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